How a Malvinas flag reached Argentina’s players after 2-1 win over England | OneFootball

After Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta to reach the final against Spain, Giovani Lo Celso unfurled a white flag reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas”. According to SuperDepor.com, its backstory was as improvised as it was symbolic.

Images raced around the world at full-time. On X, user miuchi (@Milo20154) said a cousin had painted the message on a hotel sheet before it was thrown from the stands.

Gonzalo Montiel said a banner fell nearby and team-mates picked it up. Nelson Castro said on Telenoche it had been tossed on to the pitch, then passed to the players.

The gesture carried extra weight given the opponent and history. Argentina and England met again at a World Cup, with memories of 1982 and Mexico 1986 lingering.

Leandro Paredes restated the slogan’s sentiment. Match-winner Lautaro Martínez said it was not just another game, and Lisandro Martínez spoke of its emotional impact.

The scene drew immediate reaction in England and could bring FIFA punishment, as stadium codes bar political or discriminatory banners. Before kick-off, security minister Alejandra Monteoliva warned fans against provocative political, racial or religious messages and said the Malvinas phrase would be treated as political.

AP recalled Argentina displayed the same slogan before the 2014 World Cup and the AFA were fined 30,000 Swiss francs. A hastily painted sheet had travelled from terrace to turf, and into a worldwide debate.

Source: SuperDepor.com