By Gabriel Araujo
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 13 (Reuters) - An Argentine war veterans federation called on soccer supporters to focus on football ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England rather than use the match as a platform to push sovereignty claims over South Atlantic islands.
Argentina and Britain fought a short conflict over the islands known by the British as the Falklands and Argentines as the Malvinas in 1982, in which 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British combatants died.
The
group said on Monday that the match was "not an armed rematch nor historical compensation," urging fans and the wider public to honour the memory of Argentine soldiers killed in the conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia.
"Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution," the April 2 War Veterans Federation said in a statement.
"We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause.
"The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact."
Britain claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies including the United Nations.
During the World Cup, Argentina fans and players have been singing a chant referencing the islands, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi's bid to end his international career with a second World Cup title.
Argentina's players and coaching staff, however, have sought to cool rivalry talk ahead of Wednesday's match, with manager Lionel Scaloni saying there will be nothing more than soccer at stake when the two sides meet in Atlanta.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed his words on Monday, saying the semi-final was "just a game of football".
"It's two proud nations. The football will do its talking," Pickford told reporters.
Argentina and England share one of international soccer's most storied rivalries, marked by several high-profile World Cup meetings including the 1986 quarter-final that featured Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal.
(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
