Argentina fans display banners claiming the Falkland Islands at Lionel Messi's send-off match

Argentina fans display banners claiming the Falkland Islands at Lionel Messi's send-off match

Argentina fans displayed numerous banners claiming ownership of the Falkland Islands at Lionel Messi's send-off match. In front of 85,000 people at the Estadio Monumental, Messi was given an emotional farewell, which some supporters used as an opportunity to display signs reading: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas." The banner translates to "The Falkland Islands are Argentine" and was seen on several occasions at this summer's World Cup. During Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England, players themselves brandished the same banner, sparking widespread anger in the UK. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded firmly, saying: "The World Cup might not be ours, the Falkland Islands definitely are. Self-determination rests with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver." Fifa launched an investigation into the incident, given its regulations prohibit political messaging at tournaments. However, the governing body had already overlooked repeated references to the conflict in songs performed by players throughout the competition. In August, Argentina's rugby supporters held up similar banners during a Pumas fixture against South Africa, after the team decided to wear a kit honouring Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup triumph. LATEST SPORTS NEWS England cruise to victory over Czech Republic as Harry Kane scores twice on landmark night Manchester City hero 'hurt' by club's scandal and 'gutted for the fans' Lionel Messi scores in final Argentina appearance as Inter Miami star retires President Javier Milei backed the players' World Cup celebration, calling it "perfectly valid" and insisting the message "reflects a sentiment shared by all Argentines". He said: "I know that for Argentinians, we won the World Cup the moment we beat England because that's really what everyone wanted." British control of the Falklands, a self-governing overseas territory situated roughly 300 miles east of Argen