A Historic Turnaround: Argentina to Honor Rival's Elimination with Special Day

"We chose this date to commemorate Argentina's historic victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals," states the official AFA website.

Lionel Scaloni's squad was trailing the English team by a single goal, but precise strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the tide, allowing the entire nation to celebrate. However, the tribute isn't solely for this milestone achieved by the senior national team.

"The recognition, of course, also extends to every single national team (youth, men's and women's, futsal, beach soccer, and cerebral palsy football) that trains daily at the Lionel Andrés Messi training complex with hope, joy, and the responsibility of representing Argentina."

Following the semi-final, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the AFA after Argentine players displayed a banner declaring the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso appeared on the pitch with the message "Malvinas belong to Argentina." Argentine residents refer to the Falklands, controlled by the British since 1833, exclusively as "Islas Malvinas."

FIFA is also investigating Argentine internationals Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina for their involvement in a brawl that erupted after their 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final (July 19). Assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also facing an investigation in connection with this incident, DPA reported.