The dispute centred on the Porsche registration H982 FKL, which many Argentinians interpreted as a reference to the 1982 Falklands War. The report says Clarkson and his crew were later escorted out of the country by police.
Looking back on the incident, Clarkson said: “O chefe dos veteranos nos acusou de colocar uma placa falsa no Porsche, que seria uma referência deliberada à Guerra das Falklands.”
His latest message has therefore landed as more than routine pre-match banter. The report says fans have connected it directly to the old episode, reviving arguments over whether the original number plate was deliberate or an unfortunate coincidence.
Away from the controversy, the semifinal carries a major football storyline. The report says it would be Lionel Messi’s first meeting with England, giving the fixture an unusual personal angle for Argentina’s captain.
Argentina arrive as the reigning world champions, while England are attempting to end a lengthy wait for another World Cup triumph. That contrast gives the match enough tension without outside provocation, but Clarkson’s intervention has ensured the build-up will not remain purely about tactics and form.
Tournament regulations reportedly prohibit political, offensive or discriminatory material inside stadiums, including clothing, banners, flags and leaflets. A shirt displaying H982 FKL could therefore face scrutiny or be refused entry.
The next test will come when the teams meet on Wednesday. Whether Clarkson’s words fade into background noise or fuel a louder atmosphere, the semifinal now has a storyline well beyond the touchline.