The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially declared July 15 as 'National Football Teams Day', commemorating Argentina's dramatic World Cup semi-final triumph over England earlier this summer.Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta, overturning a one-goal deficit thanks to strikes from Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez deep into stoppage time. Lionel Messi was instrumental in the victory, providing assists for both goals as Lionel Scaloni's side secured a place in a second straight World Cup final.The Argentine FA has announced 15 July will be 'National Football Teams Day' to mark Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England on that date ⚽ pic.twitter.com/N9KLHWV4TJ— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 6, 2026 The result was celebrated across Argentina as far more than a football victory. Many viewed it as a symbolic political statement linked to the country's long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, a British Overseas Territory since 1833. Following the final whistle, Argentina's players unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentinian").Explaining the decision, the AFA said: "The date was chosen to commemorate Argentina's historic victory over England in the World Cup semi-final."##EDITORS_CHOICE##The statement continued: "Lionel Scaloni's team was trailing the English side by a single goal, but with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, they turned the game around, sending the entire nation into a frenzy of celebration. But the tribute isn't just for that milestone achieved by the senior national team.The recognition, of course, also extends to each and every one of the national teams (youth, men's and women's, futsal, beach soccer, and field football), who train daily at the Lionel Andres Messi training complex with the hope, joy and responsibility of representing Argentina."🇦🇷 | Argentina players after the game with banner stating: “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” 👀😅#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/yCMGvuXmlK— ULTRA ATTACKIVE (@UltraAttackive) July 15, 2026 The banner sparked strong criticism in the United Kingdom, where former Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by reaffirming Britain's position on the islands, stating that "the World Cup might not be ours, the Falkland Islands definitely are. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver".##NAJAVA_MECA_9878705##
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