Jakarta, ThedailyID — A simple banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” has become one of the biggest talking points of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after Argentina’s players displayed it following their semifinal victory over England on July 15.
The Spanish phrase translates to “The Malvinas Islands are Argentine.” It refers to the disputed South Atlantic islands known internationally as the Falkland Islands, which Argentina and the United Kingdom have claimed for decades.
Many observers criticized the display, arguing that it carried a political message during a FIFA tournament. Some commentators also urged FIFA to investigate whether Argentina violated regulations that prohibit political statements on the field.
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the banner belonged to an Argentina supporter named Santiago, who attended the match with friends.
Santiago said the idea came together only hours before kickoff. He and his friends bought inexpensive paint and brushes for less than US$10, but they could not find suitable fabric.
Instead, they returned to their hotel, removed a bedsheet, cut it in half, and painted the message by hand.
Next, Santiago faced another challenge. Stadium security had tightened inspections because officials wanted to prevent banners linked to the 1982 South Atlantic conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
Nevertheless, he folded the homemade banner into a small bundle and hid it inside his trousers to avoid detection. The plan worked.
After Argentina secured victory, Santiago threw the banner toward defender Gonzalo Montiel, who passed it to midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. Lo Celso then unfolded it as several teammates joined him before television cameras.
Santiago later said he never expected the homemade bedsheet to gain worldwide attention.
“It was crazy. I never imagined a simple idea in a hotel room would travel around the world,” he said.
However, the incident quickly sparked political reactions in Britain.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed calls for FIFA to investigate the Argentine players after Trade Secretary Peter Kyle questioned whether they had breached tournament rules.
The British government also reaffirmed its longstanding position that the Falkland Islands remain under British sovereignty and that the islanders have the right to determine their own future.
Meanwhile, Santiago has tried to recover the banner. Together with his partner, Tamara, he contacted the Argentine Football Association (AFA) through president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
According to Santiago, the message eventually reached the players. However, they reportedly declined to return the banner without explaining their decision.
Despite the controversy, Santiago said he has no regrets.
“Nothing can take away the pride we feel today,” he said.
