Buenos Aires imposes security barriers around Obelisk for Argentina‑England World Cup semi‑final

The Buenos Aires city government and police erected extensive barricades around the historic Obelisk on the day of the Argentina‑England FIFA World Cup semi‑final, citing concerns about potential disorder. Up to 800 officers, including rapid‑intervention units, were deployed and the area around Corrientes and 9 de Julio avenues was closed to traffic, with additional restrictions on Diagonal Norte and a complete cut on Corrientes from the Obelisk to the Bajo. Public‑transport routes were altered, and several bus lines reduced service from 14:00. Real‑time monitoring was conducted through the city’s urban camera network.

Vice‑President Victoria Villarruel posted on social media, "Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. It's not just another match," invoking the Malvinas dispute and the legacy of Diego Maradona. Coach Lionel Scaloni replied that "It's a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness." The match itself was scheduled to start at 4 p.m. local time in Atlanta, United States.