Gary Lineker faces backlash over ‘Malvinas’ reference
Gary Lineker has come under fire after referring to the Falkland Islands as the ‘Malvinas’ while discussing the prospect of England facing Argentina at the World Cup, reports BritPanorama.
The former England striker sparked a backlash during a conversation about a potential semi-final meeting between the two nations, with fans voicing their discontent regarding his word choice. England is currently aiming for a spot in the last four of the tournament and will face Norway on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, Argentina is set to meet Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning. On *The Rest is Football* podcast, Lineker discussed the historical rivalry, noting, “It’s not that long ago our two countries were at war, with the Falklands or Malvinas, even before that?” His use of the term “Malvinas” prompted significant criticism on social media, with users responding with posts asserting the name should be “Falklands.”
The Falkland Islands remain a sensitive subject in the UK following the 1982 conflict with Argentina, and the sovereignty dispute continues to fuel political tensions between the two nations. The football rivalry has produced iconic moments, such as Argentina’s controversial win over England at the 1986 World Cup, where Diego Maradona scored both the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and what is often referred to as the ‘Goal of the Century.’
In 1998, despite a memorable match that saw Michael Owen shine with a stunning solo goal, England’s dreams of revenge were dashed when David Beckham was sent off. England finally achieved victory over Argentina 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup in Japan, courtesy of a penalty from Beckham, redeeming himself after criticism from the previous tournament.
As both teams now prepare for the quarter-finals, there remains the tantalising prospect of another chapter in this storied rivalry. Fans keenly await the potential clash in a competition where history and tension often intertwine, highlighting how sports can reflect deeper national narratives. With so much at stake on the pitch, it’s a reminder of how sport can stir emotions — even among its most celebrated voices.
