Lionel Scaloni: Football and politics shouldn't mix before England semi-final

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has insisted that he will not allow political issues to overshadow Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta. The encounter brings together two nations with one of football's most intense historical rivalries.

While the 1982 Falklands War remains a sensitive point of sovereignty between the two countries, Scaloni emphasized that the focus must remain strictly on the pitch. Security measures are expected to be high, but the manager is keen to ensure his squad remains grounded.

The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago. It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it, that's the reality. It is a football match; we shouldn't confuse the two. Lionel Scaloni

Argentina's progress to the final four has been a rigorous journey, requiring extra time in both the round of 32 and the quarter-finals. Despite the team's struggles for collective form, Scaloni expressed no concerns, noting that simply reaching this stage is an achievement he would have welcomed a month ago.

Looking ahead to the tactical challenge, Scaloni confirmed he has been preparing his players to contain England's star duo, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. He praised both as world-class players that any coach would be fortunate to manage.