Argentina fans burn England flags and parade coffin in Buenos Aires after World Cup semi-final win

Argentina’s supporters took to the streets of Buenos Aires in raucous celebration after their side edged England in a politically charged World Cup semi-final, with fans burning Union Jacks and parading a coffin draped in the flag through the city centre.

Lautaro Martinez headed home a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final, overturning Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener for England. Enzo Fernandez had levelled on 85 minutes before Martinez delivered the decisive blow, extending Argentina’s World Cup journey following their tournament victories in 1986 and 1998.

The fixture carried weight well beyond football. The Falklands War remains a source of deep political tension between the two nations, and Argentina’s players had referenced it openly during the tournament. The scenes in Buenos Aires — thousands lining the streets, flags set alight, a Union Jack-draped coffin carried aloft — reflected the scale of that sentiment.

Lionel Messi, who grew increasingly influential as the match wore on, spoke after the final whistle about what the victory meant to people back home facing economic hardship.

“We are proud and happy to be able to give this to the people, we know that the World Cups are special for us,” Messi said. “We forget all the bad things we have to go through, there are people who have a hard time, who don’t have a job, who don’t make ends meet — it’s beautiful to be able to give this joy to them.”

Messi also addressed the rivalry directly. “We knew that we were better than them at football, but it’s still special because of everything it means,” he added.

England manager Thomas Tuchel faced sharp criticism for his tactical approach after Gordon’s goal, with the Three Lions retreating into a defensive shape and Tuchel introducing additional defenders in an attempt to protect the lead. Argentina, driven by Messi and the relentless pressure of their attack, eventually found the gaps they needed.

A second World Cup winners’ medal for Messi would further cement his standing as the sport’s defining figure. Argentina now advance to the final, carrying the hopes — and the celebrations — of an entire nation with them.