Why Do Argentinians Sing About England and the Falklands?

The players of ARGENTINA have expressed that the World Cup semi-final against England signifies more than merely securing a spot in the final.

Here’s the background regarding the chants related to the Falklands ahead of the highly-anticipated match in Atlanta tonight (July 15).

What are the Argentina players and fans singing?

Following Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round of 16, the players recorded themselves in the dressing room performing a revamped version of ‘Muchachos’.

The popular fan anthem incorporates the line: “For the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo‘s last one.”

This refers to the Falkland Islands, Diego Maradona, and what is anticipated to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance.

Throughout the tournament, fans have also been filmed bouncing along to an older chant that translates to: “Anyone who doesn’t jump is an Englishman.”

They’ve performed this chant after their last group match against Jordan, and again following their victory over Switzerland to reach the semi-finals. It’s a long-standing stadium tradition in Argentina, irrespective of the opponent.

Why do Argentina sing about the Falklands?

The Falkland Islands, referred to as the Malvinas in Argentina, have been under British rule since 1833, aside from a brief Argentine occupation in 1982.

Located about 300 miles off the eastern coast of Argentina, their official status as a British Overseas Territory is established by the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.

Argentina’s 1982 invasion sparked a conflict lasting 74 days, resulting in the deaths of 907 individuals—649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British servicemen, and three Falkland Islanders.

Argentina persists in asserting claims over the islands, while the UK insists their status is based on the inhabitants’ right to self-determination.

This stance was affirmed in a 2013 referendum where 99.8% of voters opted to continue as a British Overseas Territory.

Argentine journalist Nicolas Rotnitzsky explained to BBC Sport that the chants are more about cultural identity than animosity.

He stated: “It’s part of Argentine culture. It’s like ‘we are not them – we are us.’ So we have to jump to demonstrate that we are distinct from them.

“It’s not about hate, not at all. It’s essential that we express our identity concerning what transpired in the Malvinas. It’s about who we are.”

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul echoed this sentiment, asserting that the songs celebrate “our heroes” rather than politics.

Four years after the war, Argentina faced England again in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City.

Maradona netted both goals in a 2-1 win, the first being the notorious “Hand of God” that tricked legendary Three Lions goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

The second goal involved an iconic dribble past several English players, later voted Fifa’s Goal of the Century.

In 2014, FIFA penalized the Argentine Football Association £20,000 after players displayed a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – which translates to “The Malvinas are Argentine” – before a friendly match against Slovenia.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford downplayed the significance of the rivalry ahead of the semi-final.

He remarked that it’s “just a game,” adding: “Football will convey its message.”

In contrast, Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel adopted a different stance, stating on social media: “Tomorrow we face the usurping pirates. This is no ordinary match… it’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one…”

Kick-off is set for 8pm, airing live on BBC One and ITV1 tonight (Wednesday, July 15).