Following Argentina’s 2-1 comeback win on Wednesday, Lo Celso unfurled a banner reading ” son Argentinas” — Spanish for “The Malvinas are Argentine.” “Las Malvinas” is the name Argentina uses for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic that has long been the subject of a sovereignty dispute between Buenos Aires and London.
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According to The Athletic, Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi briefly held up the banner, which appeared to have come from supporters in the stands. Although they initially put it away, Lo Celso later placed it on the pitch during the post-match celebrations.
The display could attract FIFA sanctions, as football’s governing body and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibit political messages during matches.
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“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo. For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA,” the IFAB Laws of the Game state.
The Falkland Islands, located about 480 km off Argentina’s eastern coast, have remained a source of tension between Britain and Argentina for decades. The dispute culminated in the 1982 Falklands War after Argentina invaded the islands. The conflict lasted just over two months before ending with Argentina’s surrender, leaving 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentine troops and three civilians dead.
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Argentina Vice-President Victoria Villarruel defended the gesture in a post on X, writing: “The Falklands are Argentine! They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”
On the pitch, defending champions Argentina completed a dramatic comeback to book their place in the World Cup final. England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon before Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time after being set up by Lionel Messi. Lautaro Martinez then headed home Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory and set up a final against Spain. England will play France in the third-place playoff.
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