Following their 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on July 15, numerous Argentina players celebrated with their fans by holding banners reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (Malvinas are Argentinian), The Guardian reported.
Malvinas is the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands, an overseas territory administered by the U.K. but historically claimed by Buenos Aires. The decision by Argentina players to display a political message on the pitch sparked widespread controversy.
Taking to X on Thursday, Morgan posted a scathing message targeting Argentina. He labeled the players “classless pr*cks” and stated he hoped Spain would crush them in the final, comparing it to Britain’s victory in the Falklands War.
A screenshot of Piers Morgan’s post on X about Argentina celebration after the World Cup semifinal on July 15, 2026. |
The post amassed over two million views within just a few hours, igniting heated debates between fans of both nations. Prior to Morgan’s post, Argentina captain Lionel Messi had noted that the victory against England carries great significance for the people of Argentina.
Morgan provided commentary throughout the tense semifinal clash. Early in the match, when Messi had a quiet start, Morgan sarcastically questioned whether the superstar was even playing.
As the game progressed, Morgan heavily criticized Argentina’s physical approach. He questioned the referee’s decisions, arguing that Argentina should have accumulated five yellow cards and accusing them of playing dirty without facing consequences.
When Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England, Morgan praised head coach Thomas Tuchel, calling it a masterful tactical battle and urging him to bring football home.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the final minutes. Messi assisted Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer and later provided the crucial cross for Lautaro Martinez to score the winning goal, completing a 2-1 comeback and securing Argentina’s spot in the final. After that, Morgan’s earlier posts were mocked by numerous social media users.
His post praising Tuchel garnered over ten million views, with users sarcastically replying that Tuchel had indeed sent England home.
 |
Piers Morgan and Cristiano Ronaldo during an interview in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Photo by Instagram/@piersmorgan |
Morgan, 61, is a prominent broadcaster and TV host in the U.K., known for his roles on America’s Got Talent and various other programs. He has also conducted high-profile interviews, including a November 2022 conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo, where the Portuguese superstar claimed he was betrayed by Manchester United.
Morgan was not the only public figure to criticize the celebration. Former England midfielder Peter Reid also criticized the Argentina players’ actions. Speaking on BBC BreakfastReid described the display of Falklands banners post-match as “unacceptable.”
The incident has placed Argentina at risk of disciplinary action from FIFA. According to the governing body’s strict regulations, political, propaganda or divisive messages are forbidden in the match area during official tournaments.
This is not the first time that Argentina have caused controversy with that banner. Prior to a friendly match against Slovenia in 2014, the “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” banner was also displayed. FIFA investigated the matter and fined the Argentine Football Association for violating regulations regarding political messages, according to Sky Sports.
 |
Argentinian players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (Malvinas are Argentinian) after their victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, USA, on July 15, 2026. Photo by AFP |
The controversy surrounding the Falkland Islands stems from a brief but intense 10-week war between the U.K. and Argentina in 1982. The conflict resulted in 907 fatalities and concluded with a victory for the Brits, allowing London to retain control of the islands. Nevertheless, Argentina continues to assert its sovereignty claims over the territory, Mark reported.
Due to the political sensitivities of this issue, FIFA and other international football federations have historically avoided assigning English referees to matches involving Argentina, and vice versa, to guarantee neutrality.
Argentina will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, while England play France in the third-place playoff Saturday (local time).
Comments are closed.