Why is Argentina’s national anthem being shortened at the World Cup and what is it called?

ARGENTINA is back in the World Cup – and of course one of the favourites.

And their anthem is one of the most iconic at football’s biggest tournament and Lionel Messi is hoping to finally win the big tournament to round off his stellar career.

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Why is Argentina’s national anthem being shortened?

The first Argentine anthem was composed as early as 1810, before being adopted as an official song three years later after the revolution.

Its lyrics were written by Buenos Aires-born Vicente Lopez y Planes, while the music was composed by a Spaniard, Blas Parera.

In the middle of the piece there is a long anti-Spain part that has been omitted since 1924 – and the whole piece is extremely long.

As a result, only the instrumental introduction (which lasts 1 minute and 6 seconds) is played at the Olympic Games, Rugby Games and the World Cup.

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What is it’s name?

The anthem is known simply as Himno Nacional Argentino.

It had previous names translated as Marcha Patriotica (Patriotic March) or Cancion Patriotica Nacional (National Patriotic Song).

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Which texts have been translated into English?

Hear, mortals, the holy cry:
“Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!”
Hear the sound of broken chains
See noble equality enthroned.
Her most worthy throne has now opened
The United Provinces of the South.

And the free people of the world answer:
“Good Health to the Great Argentine People!”
“Good Health to the Great Argentine People!”
And the free of the world answer:
“Good Health to the Great Argentine People!”
And the free of the world answer:
“Good Health to the Great Argentine People!”