Setback for Argentina before finals, FIFA may take action; will the entire team be banned?

ATLANTA: Argentina, the present champions, fought back from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal and secure a place in the final. Legendary captain Lionel Messi led another Argentine comeback by providing assists for both goals. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that FIFA may impose sanctions on the entire Argentina team. The reason is the display of a political banner during the victory celebrations.

However, controversy erupted during the post-match celebrations when midfielder Giovani Lo Celso displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas/Falkland Islands are Argentine”). The slogan refers to Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a long-standing territorial dispute with the United Kingdom.
FIFA and the International Football Association Board prohibit political flags, slogans, and symbols at football matches. Reports say that FIFA may investigate whether the banner violated competition regulations.

Amid the controversy, Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel publicly supported the team, stating that the Falklands belong to Argentina and that the issue remains deeply rooted in the hearts of Argentines.