A leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina on their runners-up finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the team’s “professionalism” despite the football governing body currently investigating the country’s conduct following the final against Spain, has sparked fresh controversy.Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute as Spain won 1-0 in overtime at the New Jersey Stadium in New York and won the Men’s World Cup for the second time. While Luis de la Fuente’s side celebrated a historic victory, the final quickly became mired in controversy as several Argentinian players and members of the coaching staff clashed with Spanish players after the game.
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FIFA subsequently launched disciplinary proceedings over the incidents, which makes the tone of Infantino’s private letter all the more surprising.
Letter of congratulations to Argentina sent despite investigation still ongoing
The letter was first reported by Argentinian media and later confirmed by the Argentine government daily mailwas written to Claudio “Chichi” Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and is part of FIFA’s customary post-match correspondence sent to medal-winners.However, several passages raised eyebrows because they praised Argentina’s behavior while the federation was still under investigation.Infantino began his letter by congratulating Argentina for finishing second in the tournament.“Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York-New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal at the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling final against Spain,” he wrote.“I would like to once again express my most sincere congratulations on this important new achievement for Argentine football.”The FIFA president went on to describe the tournament as “an unforgettable celebration of football”, highlighting the quality of the competition, emerging young talent, established stars and the atmosphere created by the fans throughout the tournament.He also praised Argentina for playing an important role in the success of this World Cup.“Albiceleste’s outstanding performance also made a decisive contribution to making this tournament an extraordinary event that attracts millions of football fans around the world.”
Praise for ‘professionalism’ draws attention
Perhaps the most talked-about part of the letter was Infantino’s praise of the qualities he said had carried Argentina to the final.He asked Tapia to convey his congratulations to Lionel Scaloni, the players, coaching staff, medical team and supporters, before adding that the achievement reflected “continuous hard work, professionalism and attention to detail”, as well as passion, commitment and love for the game.Infantino concluded by expressing his confidence in Argentina’s future and wishing the Argentine Football Association success in the upcoming tournaments before saying: “With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”The letters have drawn criticism as they come as FIFA continues to review referee reports and video footage relating to the chaotic scenes that unfolded immediately after the final whistle.
World Cup final ends in ugly scenes
After Argentina’s defeat, several players and members of the coaching staff clashed.Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before clashing with Garvey in the melee, while Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain Rodri. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala and midfielder Thiago Almada have also been implicated in the incident which is under review.As Spain celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy, much of Argentina’s squad also defected, drawing widespread criticism.The game itself was already an intense physical confrontation. Argentina finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was booked for a reckless foul on Paulo Cubasi in second-half stoppage time. The Spanish team finally sealed the victory with Torres’ header in overtime.
Controversy extends beyond finals
The final was not the only time Argentina found itself at the center of controversy at this World Cup.Lionel Messi was criticized after appearing to urge Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to eject Spanish defender Marc Cucurella in the final, while Argentina also faced accusations of simulation and gamesmanship in their semi-final victory over England.That match made further headlines after several Argentinian players celebrated with banners reading “Argentinos Sons of Las Malvinas” (“The Falklands are Argentina”), drawing criticism from British politicians and football observers.FIFA continues its disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct since the final, and the wider fallout is intensifying.A petition calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups has attracted millions of signatures, while another campaign by Argentina’s supporters has called for the final to be replayed because of allegations against the referee. However, there was no evidence that FIFA or referee Slavko Vincic acted inappropriately during the match, and neither sport has any legal or sporting authority over the outcome.Against this backdrop, the emergence of Infantino’s congratulatory letter, particularly its praise of Argentina’s “professionalism”, adds another layer of scrutiny to the way FIFA handles the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final, even as its own disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing.
