Falkland islanders are furious at a top Argentine politician’s suggestion that they would be pleased to be part of the South American country due to its World Cup win in 2022. Daniel Filmus was the secretary for the affairs concerning the Malvinas – his country’s name for the British archipelago – between 2014 and 2015, and later from 2019 until 2021.

Speaking to the Express in Buenos Aires, with a cheeky smirk, he said: “I think that, especially knowing the spirit of those who live there, they would be very happy to be world football champions.”

Mr Filmus also insisted that there would be no trouble for the islanders if Argentina were to take control of the territory, which he believes will happen after the international community exerts pressure on Britain to hand it over.

Tony Smith, 64, a battlefield guide with Discovery Falklands, responded to his remark.

The Falkland Islander said: “How wrong he is. We would resist as strongly as we possibly could and have no desire whatsoever to be part of Argentina in any context!”

Another guide, Dan Biggs, 42, of Falklands Outdoors, whose family has been on the islands for more than 180 years, said: “I don’t think that comment even deserves a reaction. Maybe he’s not aware of the referendum results.”

In 2013, islanders voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory.

Out of 1,517 votes cast, with a turnout of more than 90%, 1,513 were in favour. Just three votes were against.

Lee Saunders, 45, a contractor from Southampton who has been working on the archipelago for nearly five years, said: “To suggest the islanders’ choice of sovereignty could be swayed by becoming Argentine World Cup winners is an outrageous comment to make, and would certainly offend a lot of Falkland Islanders.

“Among all the locals I know here, I feel the mood and appetite for the Falkland Islands to become Argentinian has not changed since the referendum in 2013. I don’t think that will ever change.”

Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has said he is not seeking another conflict with Britain.

He is pursuing a long-term diplomatic strategy to gain sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, aiming to achieve a peaceful transfer similar to the 1997 handover of Hong Kong.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir, said in his Christmas message to the Falkland Islands: “I’m proud of the bond that we share as one great British family.

“And I’m proud of the strong sense of community that unites us all. I know that is a big part of who you are on the Falkland Islands.”

He also pledged his “deep and enduring commitment to your right to self-determination and your democratic rights”.

Sir Keir added: “These are rights that my own uncle fought for when he served aboard HMS Antelope in 1982.”