Alexis Mac Allister has reportedly taken a similar position, stressing that he has “a lot of respect” for English people after several years living and playing in the country.
Mac Allister moved to English football with Brighton before joining Liverpool, and the report says his experience has been overwhelmingly positive. His family’s perspective has added another layer to the debate, particularly after his mother, Silvina Riela, was criticised by some Argentina supporters for refusing to join an anti-England chant.
Riela said: “We have been welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best way.” Her granddaughter was born in England, and she explained that she now remains seated with the child when the chant is sung rather than “go along with it”.
The Argentina-England fixture inevitably brings political and football history into view, from the Falklands/Malvinas conflict to Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal and memorable World Cup meetings.
That baggage gives the semi-final an emotional edge, but Mac Allister’s family experience shows why attitudes are not always defined by old rivalries. Living, working and building relationships in another country can complicate the easy slogans of international football.
The report says Scaloni described England as a tough opponent with an excellent coach, while avoiding any wider political framing. Mac Allister also acknowledged that England would want to beat Argentina “at all costs” on the pitch, even as he said his family had been treated “incredibly well”.
That balance will be tested once the whistle goes. The next storyline is whether the players can keep the contest competitive without allowing the rivalry’s history to overwhelm the football itself.