A federation of Argentinian war veterans has called on football supporters to focus on the game ahead of their World Cup semifinal against England, rather than using the match as a platform to push sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic islands.
The April 2 War Veterans Federation released a statement on Monday emphasizing that the match is "not an armed rematch nor historical compensation." They urged fans and the wider public to honor the memory of Argentinian soldiers killed in the 1982 conflict—which claimed 649 Argentinian and 255 British lives—without promoting hatred or xenophobia.
"Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution," the statement read. "We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause."
The group added: "The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact."
The United Kingdom claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies, including the United Nations.
During the World Cup, Argentina fans and players have been singing a chant referencing the islands, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi's bid to end his international career with a second World Cup title. However, Argentina's players and coaching staff have sought to cool rivalry talk ahead of Wednesday's match in Atlanta.
Manager Lionel Scaloni said there will be nothing more than football at stake when the two sides meet. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed that sentiment on Monday, calling the semifinal "just a game of football."
"It's two proud nations. The football will do its talking," Pickford told reporters.
Argentina and England share one of international football's most storied rivalries, marked by several high-profile World Cup meetings, including the 1986 quarterfinal that featured Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal.