Martínez holds Falklands banner as Argentina stun England in World Cup semi-final

Lisandro Martínez and former Tottenham midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso were photographed holding a banner declaring ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’ on the pitch in Atlanta after Argentina eliminated England 2-1 in their World Cup semi-final, a result sealed by Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 92nd minute.

The banner, retrieved from supporters in the stands, drew immediate and widespread condemnation from England fans and provoked a fresh wave of anger on social media. Argentina contests British sovereignty over the islands, which it refers to as Las Malvinas. The territorial dispute escalated into armed conflict in 1982, a war that lasted 74 days before ending in an Argentine surrender. A 2013 referendum saw islanders vote decisively to remain a UK overseas territory.

The political temperature had been rising before kick-off. Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel posted on X ahead of the match: “This is not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct — against the English, it’s always something more. Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours.” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, by contrast, insisted before the game that he was “not going to mix” politics and football.

England’s national anthem was booed by a section of Argentina supporters inside the stadium, a reaction that drew its own wave of criticism online before a ball had even been kicked.

On the pitch, England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 before Lautaro Martínez’s late strike ended their hopes. Argentina will now face European champions Spain in Monday’s final.

Martínez’s involvement with the banner is likely to intensify scrutiny on the Manchester United defender, whose club career has made him a prominent figure in English football. The image of a Premier League player holding the politically charged banner in the immediate aftermath of England’s elimination added a sharp edge to what was already a deeply contentious fixture.