The Trump administration strongly backed the Argentine national team in the controversy over the display of a flag bearing the inscription “Las Malvinas son argentinas”. The White House countered the United Kingdom’s demands for sanctions against the players, making clear that in the United States they have every right to express themselves.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, was tasked with delivering the response. In a press conference in New York, the official invoked the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and argued that the players were protected by freedom of speech. “As for the possibility, the opportunity to make those expressions, in the United States they have the freedom to do so,” Giuliani stated, in a clear show of support for the world champions.
The statement came after a British journalist asked whether the Argentine players had acted wrongly and whether they should be sanctioned and prevented from playing the World Cup final against Spain. Giuliani’s response was emphatic: he upheld civil liberties and refrained from condemning the players’ gesture. The signal carries even more weight coming from a direct member of the team appointed by Trump to coordinate the World Cup organization.
The controversy erupted after Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta. During the celebrations, several players received from the stands a flag with the phrase “Las Malvinas son argentinas” and displayed it on the field. FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee is reviewing the official match reports to determine whether any sanctions should be applied. So far, no final decision has been made.
The White House response represents a blow to the British, who sought to exclude Argentine players from the final. The Trump administration did not comment on the substance of the sovereignty dispute but made clear it does not consider Argentina’s claim to justify restricting the players’ freedom of expression.
During the same press conference, Giuliani also praised Lionel Messi’s performance and compared him to Michael Jordan for his decisive role in the comeback against England. The national team will face Spain this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Trump himself is expected to attend.
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para mi trump es un capo total los britanicos llorando por una banderita pateticos malvinas son argentinas carajo viva la libertad de expresion y viva trump que nos banco los zurdos y los ingleses a llorar a la lloreria 🇦🇷🇺🇸
Para mí esto huele a choreo yankee de manual. Trump defiende a la Selección porque le conviene, pero los mismos yanquis se robaron medio México y ahora vienen con la libertad de expresión. Las Malvinas son argentinas, carajo, y los británicos yankees que se vayan a llorar a su casa. ¡Viva Argentina!