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While Scaloni calmed any potential tension, Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel took a different approach.<\/p>\n
In a post on X,, external<\/span><\/a> Villarruel cited a chant which the players sang following their dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt<\/a> in the last-16 which references the Falklands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n “This is not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct – against the English, it’s always something more,” said Villarruel.<\/p>\n “It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s about putting the invaders in their place.<\/p>\n “Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours!”<\/p>\n Earlier this week it was announced there will be increased security measures<\/a> in place in Atlanta because of the historical tensions between the two nations.<\/p>\n Maradona led Argentina to victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as he scored the famous Hand of God goal and a brilliant second, while captain Messi is set to face the Three Lions for the first time in his illustrious career.<\/p>\n Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has inspired Argentina during their run to the last four, with the 39-year-old scoring a joint-tournament high eight goals, alongside France striker Kylian Mbappe.<\/p>\n Argentina have however generally struggled collectively, with the three-time World Cup winners being tested in each of their knockout games.<\/p>\n Alongside the win over Egypt, Argentina needed extra time in the last-32 to beat Cape Verde<\/a> and again in the quarter-finals to defeat 10-man Switzerland.<\/a><\/p>\n Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago in Qatar, says he is not concerned about his side’s form before facing England.<\/p>\n “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,” said Scaloni.<\/p>\n “I can’t reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not I don’t care. This is a World Cup semi-final.”<\/p>\n Scaloni added that he has been briefing his side on the best way to handle England striker Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who have both scored six goals during the World Cup.<\/p>\n “They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would like to have them,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n