FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote a letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association praising their "professionalism" after the World Cup final, despite the violent scenes which followed Spain's 1-0 victory
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| Gianni Infantino penned a letter to Argentina(Image: MB Media, Getty Images) |
Gianni Infantino wrote a gushing letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association lauding their 'professionalism' despite their thuggish behaviour following defeat in the World Cup final.
The FIFA president has done himself no favours this tournament with his public image nearing an all-time low, and his leaked correspondence has been exposed in Argentina. FIFA launched a probe into the violent chaos that erupted after Spain's 1-0 triumph over the South Americans and for a provocative political banner incorrectly claiming the Falkland Islands following semi-final victory over England.
The footballing world was left disgusted when Leandro Parades, Nahuel Molina and even Argentinian assistant coach Roberto Ayala punched and attacked Spain players while they attempted to celebrate winning the country's second World Cup.
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| Argentina FA President Claudio Tapia received a gushing letter from the FIFA boss(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images) |
FIFA released a statement confirming they were examining "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" by the Argentines.
Despite this, Infantino wrote a letter to Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina FA, gushing over the "professionalism" of the South Americans.
The letter read: "Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.
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| Leandro Paredes picked a fight with Gavi, one of Spain's smallest players |
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.
"The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.
"Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.
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| Argentina players celebrated with the banner following the win over England. (Image: MB Media, Getty Images) |
"These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.
"I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino."
FIFA have yet to determine whether Argentina's players will be hit with punishments over the post-match altercation. In a statement issued shortly after the final whistle, FIFA declared: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."
- Patrick Austen-Hardy and Cameron Winstanley
