Vice President Victoria Villarruel once again became the center of controversy hours before the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England. In a message posted on her X account, the Senate president heated up the atmosphere with a statement few expected: ‘We play against the pirate usurpers. This is not just another match. I will not be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English it is always something more.’
The post, which has already accumulated more than 570,000 views, 15,000 likes, and over 2,000 comments, left no doubt about Villarruel’s stance. ‘It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the invaders in their place,’ she emphasized, and concluded: ‘Go Argentina! Because until the last breath we will claim what is ours.’
The vice president’s publication not only ignited the match buildup but also once again marked a distance from the rest of Javier Milei’s government. While Villarruel fanned the flames of nationalism, the Executive Branch refused to grant a day off despite a request from the State Workers Association (ATE) and arranged a broad security operation that includes reinforced protection of the British embassy.
Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva also added tension to the matter by warning Argentine fans that they will not be allowed into the stadium with items containing political, racial, or provocative messages. In particular, she clarified that the phrase ‘The Malvinas Islands are Argentine’ constitutes a political message and is therefore prohibited.
Villarruel’s stance, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. The vice president not only championed the Malvinas cause but also attacked the British with terms many considered undiplomatic. ‘Pirate usurpers,’ she wrote, in a clear reference to the islands’ history and the 1982 conflict.
Reactions were swift. While some social media users applauded Villarruel’s message, others criticized it as irresponsible and out of place. ‘The vice president should show restraint and not fuel confrontation,’ one user commented. Another defended her: ‘Villarruel says what many think. She doesn’t have to be politically correct.’
The match, to be played in Atlanta, promises to be one of the hottest in history. Argentina and England face off in a semifinal that transcends sports, and Villarruel’s words only increased the pressure. Meanwhile, Milei’s government tries to keep calm, but the internal rift is increasingly evident.
The vice president, known for her tough profile and defense of Argentine sovereignty, made it clear that for her this match is much more than a game. ‘It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one,’ she summarized, in a phrase that will surely resonate in the ears of players and fans. The lingering question is whether this stance will help or harm the Argentine team at such a crucial moment.
Para mí, Villarruel les metió la tuerca justo a estos yankis de mierda. Los ingleses son unos piratas usurpadores y las Malvinas son argentinas, carajo. Bancamos a full a Vicky, Milei es un blando que se arrodilla. Vamos Argentina carajo.
Para mí Villarruel es una farsante, usa Malvinas para esconder la inflación que dejaron los milicos que ella banca. Piratas son los que se chorearon el país, no los ingleses. Yo creo que acá los recibimos con alegría, no con banderitas de cartón.