Tonight, England players are facing Leo Messi's Argentina in the World Cup semi final match.

07:56, Wed, Jul 15, 2026 Updated: 08:11, Wed, Jul 15, 2026

Football Fans Watch Argentina v Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026

England is facing Argentina tonight in the World Cup semi final (Image: Getty)

The Vice President of Argentina lashed out at England ahead of tonight's World Cup semi final match. Victoria Villaruel, who is the daughter of a Falklands veteran, shared a message through her X account ahead of tonight's World Cup semi-final.

She said: "Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more. It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's [Messi] last one, go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we're going to claim what's ours!"

These comments came after the intervention from Argentina's foreign minister Pablo Quirno who said the island's population had been “artificially implanted by the occupying power”.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

These remarks followed UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's who said “the UK position remains the same” and the issue of sovereignty is not up for debate. Ms Cooper said: "The UK position remains the same. The Falklands are British and they have right to self-determination. That remains the position."

Replying to Argentina's vice president's comments on X, a user said: "If Argentina wins, what is going to happen? What beenfits will that bring for the economic world? You are a demagogue." Another user added: "It's just a soccer match, don't burden the athletes with problems that politicians can't solve."

England's manager Thomas Tuchel said Argentina "are also fuelled by that, they are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them".

MORE TO FOLLOW...