England v Argentina, a semi-final steeped in history for Buenos Aires | OneFootball

In Argentina, Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against England at 21:00 is seen as far more than a match, with Lionel Messi playing his final World Cup. As reported by L'E\'Equipe, it will also be the first time Messi has faced England in his career.

At the core of the rivalry are the Falkland Islands, under British control since 1833 and claimed by Argentina. In 1982, the Argentine dictatorship sent young soldiers to retake them, a 74-day conflict that left 649 Argentine and 255 British military dead.

The build-up in Buenos Aires is intense. Maradona’s 1986 double is on constant replay, while AI-styled historical videos spread across social media. Many supporters have worn their shirts since Saturday, convinced they have a role to play.

Superstitious cabalas are in motion and one key detail is settled. On the federation’s request, the Albiceleste will wear the dark away kit on Wednesday, as in the two Argentine World Cup wins over England, at the Azteca in 1986, 2-1, and at Geoffroy-Guichard in 1998, 2-2 then 3-4 on penalties.

War veteran and author Edgardo Esteban says this is not a normal game, adding that the national team and the sovereignty claim over the Falklands are central to Argentine identity. Forty years after the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century, Argentina prepares for another chapter, this time from Messi’s left foot.

Source: L'Équipe