As Argentina and England prepare to face off in the World Cup semifinal, a federation of Argentinian war veterans has issued a plea for supporters to keep the focus on football, not politics. The April 2 War Veterans Federation, representing those who fought in the 1982 conflict over the South Atlantic islands known as the Falklands by the British and the Malvinas by Argentinians, urged fans to avoid using the match as a platform for sovereignty claims. Main Developments In a statement released on Monday, the veterans' group said the semifinal is "not an armed rematch nor historical compensation." They called on fans to honor the memory of the 649 Argentinian soldiers and 255 British fighters who died in the 1982 conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia. The federation emphasized that "sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution." They urged a "clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause," adding: "The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact." Read also: Maine ICE shooting marks ninth death under Trump crackdown During the World Cup, some Argentina fans and players have been heard singing a chant referencing the islands, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi's bid for a second World Cup title. However, both teams' camps have worked to cool the rivalry talk ahead of Wednesday's match in Atlanta. Background The 1982 conflict over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, lasted 10 weeks and ended with a British victory. The United Kingdom maintains sovereignty over the islands and keeps a military presence there, while Argentina continues to press its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies, including the United Nations. The rivalry between Argentina and England on the football pitch is one of the sport's most storied, marked by several high-profile World Cup meetings. The most famous came in the 1986 quarterfinal, which featured Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and a stunning solo effort that cemented his legend. Why It Matters The veterans' appeal underscores the delicate balance between national pride and political tension in a fixture that carries historical weight beyond sport. For many Argentinians, the match evokes memories of a conflict that remains a sensitive national issue, and the federation's intervention aims to prevent the game from becoming a flashpoint for renewed hostility. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has said there will be "nothing more than football at stake" when the two sides meet. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed that sentiment, telling reporters: "It's two proud nations. The football will do its talking." What's Next The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta, with both teams vying for a place in the World Cup final. The match will be watched closely for any political statements from fans or players, though both sides have signaled a desire to keep the focus purely on the game. Argentina continues to pursue its sovereignty claim through the United Nations, but for now, the veterans hope the ball will do the talking.