Argentina and England could be on a collision course for a World Cup semi-final meeting if they can get past Switzerland and Norway, respectively. That's a big task, but tensions appear to be building between the two nations already.
The two high-ranked FIFA countries have an infamous history on the football pitch, especially at the World Cup. They met on the biggest stage in 1986, with Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' stealing the headlines, before David Beckham's controversial red card broke English hearts in 1998.
As two passionate footballing nations, it can be expected that the action on the pitch will be just as fierce as that off it. It's already been sparked by a chant Argentina players were filmed belting out after their Round of 16 win vs Egypt.
Argentina Taunt England After World Cup Win
Lionel Scaloni speaks with Lionel Messi after Cristian Romero scores their third goalREUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
After controversially sealing a 3-2 comeback win against the African giants, La Albiceleste celebrated with great emotion. Lionel Messi, who was vital in the comeback, could be seen in tears after full-time. Meanwhile, others got into some heated confrontations with Egypt players over some questionable refereeing decisions.
Footage has now emerged from the Argentine dressing room immediately after they progressed to the last eight. It showed many players signing a chant which references the Falkland Islands.
Egypt's Omar Marmoush remonstrates with referee Francois Letexier after Argentina's Enzo Fernandez scores their third goal Related
Ex-FIFA Referee Casts Strong Verdict Over Claims Argentina 3-2 Egypt Was 'Fixed'
Former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett responds to accusations the 2026 World Cup fixture was 'rigged'
The song, called 'La Cuarta Estrella', has become popular among supporters in recent times. Enzo Fernandez and Emi Martinez are among those who could be spotted singing along in a viral social media video.
The chant goes: "I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter. I am a supporter of the national team, I cheer it on with all my heart.
"We won the third title with Lionel, and we want to be champions once again."
All very harmless so far. But the next few lines mention 'the trophy taken' from Diego Maradona in 1994, when he was banned for failing a drugs test, and the Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands.
"And 32 years later, La Scaloneta will avenge the trophy that was taken from the No. 10, the one we were not allowed to lift.
"I want to see the fourth star shining on the jersey. I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter. Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions."
The part English fans could take issue with is the 'Malvinas' mention as the two countries fought for the Falklands in 1982, with over 900 people dying in the process. Tensions remain surrounding the matter, despite Argentina surrendering all those years ago.
Piers Morgan Slams Argentina For Dressing Room Chant
Piers MorganAndrew Couldridge via Reuters
Among those to take issue with the chant was British journalist and media personality Piers Morgan. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 61-year-old posted: "Is that the same Falklands they tried to seize until our magnificent armed forces kicked their asses out again?"
FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina Related
FIFA Issue Statement on Argentina 3-2 Egypt Decisions After 'Rigged' Claims
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, has cast his verdict over the game's most controversial decisions
He won't be the only one with an axe to grind with the Argentinians if both teams reach the semi-finals. Expect it to be one of the most intense atmospheres at a World Cup game for many years if it does happen.