SOCCER: Argentina's war veterans urge fans to focus on football ahead of England match

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — An Argentine war veterans federation has called on soccer supporters to focus on the sport ahead of their World Cup semifinal against England, urging fans not to use the match as a platform to promote sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic islands.

Argentina and Britain fought a brief war over the islands, known as the Falkland Islands in Britain and the Malvinas in Argentina, in 1982. The conflict resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British military personnel.

The April 2 War Veterans Federation said the match should not be viewed as "an armed rematch nor historical compensation," urging the public to honor the memory of Argentine soldiers who died in the conflict without encouraging hatred or xenophobia.

"Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution," the federation said in a statement.

The group emphasized the importance of separating sporting rivalry from political issues, saying that while national pride will be on display during the match, the memory of those lost in the conflict should remain respected.

Britain continues to claim sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international organizations, including the United Nations.

During the World Cup, Argentine supporters and players have sung a chant referencing the islands, football legend Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi's pursuit of ending his international career with a second World Cup title.

Argentina's players and coaching staff have attempted to reduce the focus on historical tensions ahead of Wednesday's semifinal, with manager Lionel Scaloni saying the match will be about soccer rather than politics.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed that sentiment on Monday, describing the semifinal as "just a game of football."

"It's two proud nations. The football will do its talking," Pickford told reporters.

Argentina and England have one of international soccer's most famous rivalries, highlighted by several memorable World Cup encounters, including their 1986 quarterfinal match that featured Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal.

-Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters