Argentina’s players were heard belting out a dressing-room chant that refers to the Falkland Islands after their dramatic comeback victory over Egypt, as fans began to look ahead to the possibility of a World Cup semi-final against England.
The reigning champions looked in serious trouble in Atlanta, trailing Egypt 2-0 in the final stages of their last-16 clash.
Cristian Romero gave Argentina hope with a goal in the 79th minute, before captain Lionel Messi struck the equaliser just four minutes later to complete the turnaround.
After the match, footage showed the Argentina squad celebrating in the dressing room while singing “Muchachos,” a song that has become a favourite among the nation’s supporters.
The chant was adapted by schoolteacher Fernando Romero from “Muchachos, esta noche me emborracho” — “Boys, tonight I’ll get drunk” — by Argentine ska group La Mosca.
Argentina’s players marked their victory over Egypt by singing a well-known supporters’ chant that includes a reference to the Falkland Islands
Argentina recovered from 2-0 down against Egypt to claim a remarkable late win in Atlanta
A version of the song echoed throughout Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar and has since been refreshed for the 2026 tournament.
The original opened with the lyrics ‘I was born in Argentina, land of Diego and Lionel, and of the Malvinas lads whom I’ll never forget’.
The Malvinas is Argentina’s term for the Falkland Islands, where 649 of their military personnel died in 1982 after attempting to reclaim the territory from the United Kingdom.
The updated version now has the lyrics ‘I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter’, referencing legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
‘I am a supporter of the national team, I cheer it on with all my heart,’ Argentina’s players chanted in Spanish.
‘We won the third title with Lionel, and we want to be champions once again.
‘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.’
Another chant from Argentina fans claimed England are ‘scared’ of their national team and that they would make them run before knocking them out in the World Cup semi-finals
Argentina fans gathered in Buenos Aires and chanted ‘whoever doesn’t jump is an Englishman’ as they continued their celebrations after reaching the quarter-finals
The footage was shared by the Argentine Football Association on social media, with the caption ‘Study up and learn, this is how La Scaloneta sings’.
England have been targeted in chants by Argentina fans as expectation builds over a possible semi-final showdown.
One chant from fans on social media, claimed England are ‘scared’ of facing Argentina and warned Lionel Scaloni’s side will make the Three Lions ‘run again’ if they meet in the last four.
‘The English are scared because they know this squad has balls,’ fans chanted.
‘At the Azteca they already ran, and in Miami we’re gonna make them run again
‘English, hold on just a little longer, we’re gonna meet soon.’
Argentina fans were also seen gathering at the obelisk of Buenos Aires, located in a city square in their capital city, to celebrate their last-16 victory over Egypt.
Fans were seen jumping and chanting ‘And now you see, and now you see, whoever doesn’t jump is an Englishman’ amid the celebrations.
Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals and could meet England in the last four
England and Argentina will first have to come through quarter-final ties to set up a showdown in the last four.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will meet Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, before Argentina take on Switzerland.
England have met Argentina five times at the World Cup, winning the first meeting in 1962 and doing so again in 1966 on route to lifting the trophy.
Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ and goal of the century inspired Argentina to victory over England at the 1986 World Cup, with the South Americans going on to win the title.
David Beckham was sent off as England were beaten on penalties at the 1998 World Cup, but gained revenge four years later by scoring from the penalty spot as the Three Lions won 1-0 in the group stage.
England and Argentina have not played since 2005, with England winning 3-2 in a friendly in Switzerland.
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