Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has already discussed Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against England.
Scaloni’s side became the fourth and final semi-finalist with a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Switzerland in extra time.
Meanwhile, England defeated Norway 2-1 to reach this stage of the tournament for just the third time since 1966.
The semi-final will be the latest renewal of one of football’s fiercest rivalries, which began with the Falklands War in 1982.
The Argentinian players and fans often sing about the Falklands, but Scaloni does not want to be drawn into politics.
Lionel Scaloni plays down Argentina-England rivalry before World Cup semi-final
Lionel Scaloni made it abundantly clear to the media that he will be entirely focused on the English football team.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have not lost at this World Cup, showing remarkable grit and determination in every round.
In Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions also have two world-class players capable of hurting Argentina.
Scaloni was not interested in discussing the rivalry between the two nations, as he prepares for a difficult match.
“The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say,” he played down the historical relevance of the fixture.
“We will be playing against a very tough opponent; they have an excellent coach, it is a football game, and that is all.”
However, Argentina striker Jose Lopez shared a different view on their World Cup semi-final against England.
He recognised the “history” between the two countries, although he also pledged to treat the game like any other.
“Obviously inside and outside the four lines of the pitch it’s a match that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it,” Lopez said.
“I think we are professionals, and we’re going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field.”
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