Argentina’s Vice-President Victoria Villarruel photographed in February 2026. — Reuters
BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel known as the English “usurping pirates” forward of Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final between the 2 nations’ groups.
“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match,” Villarruel mentioned in a publish on X.
The enduring match will happen in opposition to the backdrop of a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, recognized in Spanish because the Malvinas, within the South Atlantic Ocean.
“I’m not going to be politically correct or keep a cool head – it’s always something more against the English,” Villarruel wrote.
“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks,” she continued, referring to the late soccer legend Diego Maradona and present star striker Lionel Messi.
“Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!” she wrote, echoing a well-liked anthem sung by Argentine followers throughout the match.
Villarruel’s father fought within the 1982 Falklands Battle between Argentina’s navy dictatorship and the UK over the South Atlantic islands, whose sovereignty stays contested.
The 74-day battle resulted in a British victory, leaving 649 Argentines and 255 Britons useless.
The vp’s remarks stood in distinction to these of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and several other gamers, who sought to minimize the political and historic significance of the match.
“It’s a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness,” Scaloni mentioned.
On Tuesday, Argentine Safety Minister Alejandra Monteoliva mentioned that below the safety plan for the semi-final in Atlanta followers would banned from bringing flags or different gadgets referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium.
