For many Argentines, Wednesday’s semi-final matchup with longtime rival England has implications that extend well beyond the field, from the conflict they waged over the Falklands to Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” goal.
The motifs that loom big over the match in Atlanta, Georgia, are listed in the current champions’ 2026 song, “La Cuarta Estrella” (The Fourth Star), which alludes to the fourth title Argentina is vying for.
The top spot was, predictably, the Falkland Islands, a windswept archipelago in the South Atlantic that Argentina claims as part of its territory and that Britain colonized in the 19th century. Argentina and Britain waged a war over the islands in 1982.
Maradona’s self-described “Hand of God” goal—in reality, he punched the ball into the net—helped the South Americans win 2-1.
Following that contentious goal, Maradona—who passed away in 2020—made an incredible solo effort that has been dubbed the Goal of the Century, slicing between the enthralled England players.
The Falklands are a significant symbol of Argentine identity; the nation’s claim to the islands is prominently shown in school textbooks, the constitution, numerous murals and tattoos, as well as in neighborhoods and stadiums known as “Malvinas Argentinas.”
People frequently speculate that the Falklands and the national football team are the only causes that all Argentines can support in a sharply divided society where left and right see each other as deadly rivals.
However, 2026 is not 1986, when the war’s scars were still healing and Maradona and company were under intense pressure to restore the nation’s lost honor.
Messi and the team were spotted bouncing up and down to chants of “El que no salta es un ingles!” following their victory against Switzerland, demonstrating that facing England still arouses emotions. (The English are the ones who don’t jump).
With their shouts and penchant for taunting and baiting their opponents, Argentine supporters’ zeal may be unmatched only in England. The fervor for the game has also frequently resulted in bloodshed in both nations.
