WASHINGTON, United States (from our correspondent).– In the midst of the international commotion generated by the display of the flag with the inscription “The Malvinas are Argentine” by some players of the national team after the historic victory against England in Atlanta, the government of donald trump took a stand on the episode, through executive director of the task force from the White House for the World Cup, Andrew Giuliani. “In the United States they have the freedom to do so”he stated.

Andrew Giuliani: “In the United States they have the freedom to do so”

During a press conference in New York, Giuliani was asked if the Albiceleste footballers had “acted badly” by using a World Cup stadium to claim sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. “territory of a great ally” from the United States, United Kingdom. “Should the Argentine players who politicized a World Cup match be sanctioned and not play in the final?”asked British journalist Rob Harris, the channel’s sports correspondent. SkyNews.

“Here, in the United States, we believe in the rights granted by our First Amendment (of the national constitution). I think it will be an incredible final (against Spain, this Sunday),” Giuliani began his response, highlighting the rule of the Magna Carta that guarantees the fundamental civil liberties of the country and prohibits the federal and state governments from interfering in that regard.

“Think about Argentina and the impressive comeback they achieved against the English team, which was really good. A lot of people thought that this would finally be the year, after 60, that England would reach a final. It will have to wait until 2030 or later. But (Lionel) Messi is one of the best of all time. And as for the possibility, the opportunity to make those expressions, In the United States they have the freedom to do so“, he closed, in reference to the legend about the Malvinas.

Before the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, the Argentine Minister of Security, Alejandra Monteolivahad highlighted that the Fans wearing flags or t-shirts with inscriptions referring to the Malvinas would not be able to enter. to the stadium, given the FIFA regulations that prohibits the “entry of elements that have some type of provocative message, whether of political or racial content“.

In the midst of strong criticism from the United Kingdom of the Argentine players, FIFA announced on Thursday the start of a investigation formal to the team led by Messi. The entity he presides over Gianni Infantino reported that, following standard procedure, its Disciplinary Commission was “reviewing the official reports of the meeting” with the objective of evaluating the circumstances and determining possible disciplinary measures.

The British government, for its part, responded to the controversy. “The World Cup may not be ours, but the Falklands definitely are,” said a spokesperson for Downing Street, according to the British media SkyNews. The spokesperson stressed that “the position has not changed” and that the government’s commitment to the inhabitants of the archipelago is “unwavering.”

On the other hand, in the press conference Giuliani made another reference to Messi, whom he compared to Michael Jordanone of the best basketball players of all time.

“A historic confrontation awaits us between Spain, champion in 2010, and, well, Messi, the best of all time. The way he asked for the ball after the first 80 minutes, how he drew the defense in for the first goal… It was incredible. Did you see how he asked for it? He said: ‘Pass me the ball, now.’ He reminded me of Michael Jordan back in the day.“Giuliani said.

“And then, that beautiful center, putting it right on his head… incredible”the official completed when referring to Messi’s right-wing assist to Lautaro Martínezwhich scored the final 2 to 1 with a header.

Giuliani’s statement came 48 hours before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which Trump will attend, as confirmed by the White House.

Presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the Republican leader He has not yet confirmed whether he will support Spain or Argentinaamid his history of strong criticism of the Spanish government and the president Pedro Sanchez. Javier MileiMeanwhile, he is one of the magnate’s main allies in Latin America.

Leavitt also noted that is Trump likely to speak publicly before gamewhich fueled expectations about its positioning in an event of high global impact.

This Friday, meanwhile, the North American president received Infantino – whom he considers a “friend” – at the Trump Tower in New Yorkat a reception for executives from FIFA and its federations – among them Claudio Tapiapresident of the AFA – in the run-up to the final. The tycoon shook Tapia’s hand when he was standing for a sort of family photo.

On Sunday at the MetLife stadium, Tapia will be in the main box with the authorities of FIFA, Conmebol and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and then enter the playing field once the final is over. Infantino had anticipated weeks ago that he would present the cup to the captain of the champion team in the company of Trump.

“This World Cup has exceeded all expectations. It wouldn’t have been such an incredible success without you. “It is the greatest human social and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed,” Infantino said, standing alongside Trump.

For his part, the North American president, who until now has not witnessed any World Cup match, highlighted that the World Cup “broke almost every record imaginable” and praised Messi, whom he received at the White House last March along with the Inter Miami squad.

“I saw that pass that Messi made and, although I don’t know as much about football as the people in this room, I do know some football. I saw Messi and he was well marked by a great player, right? And suddenly, he’s right, he kicked and he was less than an inch away from being perfect. And that was the end of the game. It was brilliant“Trump described, referring to the second goal of the Argentine team against England that gave them a place in the final.