Sports Correspondent -England and Argentina will meet in a FIFA World Cup semi-final for the first time in more than two decades, reviving one of international football’s most emotionally charged rivalries.

Although Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted the match should be viewed simply as football, the fixture carries decades of history, controversy and political symbolism that stretches far beyond the pitch.

“The message is that this is a football game. We will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach. It’s a football game and that is all,” Scaloni said after Argentina booked their place in the last four with an extra-time victory over Switzerland.

Despite those remarks, clashes between England and Argentina have repeatedly been defined by unforgettable World Cup moments and lingering political tensions, particularly surrounding the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas.

The rivalry reached its most iconic chapter at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico when Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal before producing what many consider the greatest goal in World Cup history, leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England.

Maradona later described the victory as symbolic revenge, saying it represented “revenge for everything that happened,” in reference to the 1982 Falklands War.

The two nations met again at the 1998 World Cup in France, where David Beckham was sent off after kicking Diego Simeone. England eventually lost the match on penalties, with Beckham facing widespread criticism at home.

Four years later, Beckham found redemption by scoring the winning penalty as England defeated Argentina 1-0 during the 2002 World Cup in Japan. The encounter was another fiercely contested battle marked by physical play and high emotions.

The roots of the rivalry extend even further back to the 1966 World Cup quarter-final at Wembley, where Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was controversially sent off. England manager Alf Ramsey later referred to the Argentine players as “animals,” a comment that deepened tensions between the two footballing nations.

In the lead-up to Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta, political issues have once again resurfaced, with Argentina continuing to maintain its claim over the Falkland Islands. Chants referencing Las Malvinas have also featured among sections of Argentina’s supporters during the tournament.

However, several former players from both countries have urged supporters to focus on football rather than history.

Former Argentina captain Javier Zanetti said: “The rivalry is very keenly felt, but it has always been played with respect. We consider England to be a great national team. I hope the people who go to the stadium get to enjoy a great semi-final.”

As England and Argentina prepare to write another chapter in their remarkable football history, both teams will be aiming to put decades of controversy aside and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.