Lionel Scaloni has insisted that football and politics must not be confused as Argentina gear up for one of the most charged fixtures in international football — a World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday evening (kick-off 20:00 BST).

The two nations will meet at Atlanta Stadium in a tie that carries weight far beyond the pitch. Their rivalry stretches back decades, sharpened by the Falklands War of 1982 — a 74-day conflict that claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British service personnel and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute to this day.

But Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, was measured and deliberate when asked about the political backdrop at his pre-match press conference.

"The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago," he said. "It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it, that's the reality. Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match — we shouldn't confuse the two."

Chants and heightened security

The context has been complicated in recent days. After Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16, several of their players were filmed singing a chant that referenced the islands, as well as Argentine icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. The footage circulated widely and inevitably raised the temperature ahead of this semi-final.

Authorities in Atlanta have responded accordingly. Increased security measures are being put in place around the stadium given the historical sensitivities between the two countries, a sign that those responsible for the tournament are taking no chances.

Messi himself is set to face England for the first time in his career. The 39-year-old has been the standout performer of the tournament, sharing the joint-highest goals tally with eight alongside France's Kylian Mbappé. His influence has papered over a side that has, collectively, looked far from imperious. Argentina needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the last 32, went through the same process to eliminate a ten-man Switzerland side in the quarter-finals, and only just edged past Egypt in the round of 16.

Scaloni is relaxed about that inconsistency, however. "A month-and-a-half ago I would have taken getting to the semi-final if you had offered me that, so I don't mind how we got here," he said. "I can't reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not I don't care. This is a World Cup semi-final."

Praise for Kane and Bellingham

England will present different problems from anything Argentina have faced in the knockout rounds. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each scored six goals during the tournament, and Scaloni acknowledged both with genuine respect.

"They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would like to have them," he said, confirming that he has been preparing his squad specifically on how to handle both men.

For England, the prize is enormous. A victory on Wednesday would send them to their first World Cup final since 1966 — a weight of history that has become almost a national burden. Scaloni's Argentina stand squarely in the way, with Messi hungry for one more defining moment on the grandest stage. Whatever the outcome, this will be a match that refuses to be reduced to ninety minutes of football alone — though Scaloni, for his part, is doing everything he can to make sure that is exactly what it becomes.

Frequently asked

When is the England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final?
The match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium. Coverage begins on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 BST, with radio build-up on BBC Radio 5 Live from 18:00 BST.
Why is England vs Argentina such a big rivalry?
The two countries have a long history of intense World Cup meetings, most famously in 1986 when Diego Maradona scored both the Hand of God goal and a stunning solo effort to knock England out. Their rivalry is also shaped by the Falklands War of 1982, which continues to fuel political tension between Britain and Argentina.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, joint-highest alongside France's Kylian Mbappé, according to reports ahead of the semi-final.