De Paul defends Argentina's Falklands chants ahead of politically charged England semi-final

Rodrigo De Paul has defended Argentina’s Falklands chants while urging that Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta be settled by football, not politics. The two nations meet at the tournament for the first time since 2002, with a place in Sunday’s final against France or Spain at stake.

The match carries extraordinary weight beyond the sport itself. It comes 44 years after the Falklands War, in which Argentina’s invasion of the South Atlantic islands was repelled by British forces following a 74-day conflict. Argentina continue to assert sovereignty over the islands, and their players were filmed singing about the territory in the dressing room after knockout-round victories over Egypt and Switzerland. Despite the chants appearing to breach FIFA regulations on political expression within stadiums, the Argentine federation escaped punishment.

De Paul, who plays alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, framed the songs as an act of remembrance rather than provocation. “All the songs we sing are very much about our heroes, to remember them,” he said. “But we have to understand that this is a football match and that the Malvinas issue needs to be discussed elsewhere.”

He was equally direct about Argentina’s intentions on the pitch. “What happened was an atrocity, and we always remember it. But what we want is to win the match to reach the final.”

De Paul also invoked the 1986 quarter-final, when Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a breathtaking solo effort combined to give Argentina a 2-1 victory over England — a match that remains one of the most discussed in football history. “It’s hugely significant and brings back a lot of memories because of what Diego did, and because of what happened back then,” he said.

With tensions running high around the fixture, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed it had deployed additional officers and resources across the city ahead of kick-off, with increased patrols planned around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and surrounding entertainment districts. “These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event,” the department said.

On the England side, Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police — the UK’s football policing lead — said England supporters had set a positive example throughout the tournament, citing their conduct at the quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami as the latest example of good behaviour.