FIFA boss Gianni Infantino's letter to Argentina team 'leaked' after World Cup final loss
Gianni Infantino wrote a letter to Argentina's football association in which he praised the team after their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
The FIFA president writes a letter to the football association in each of the three countries to make the top three in the competition, which this year were Spain and Argentina, who faced off in the final, and England, who came third after beating France 6-4 in a whirlwind third place playoff.
Infantino sent the letter to Claudio Tapia, the President of the Argentine FA, thanking him for the team's participation.
But in a controversial choice of words, Infantino also lauded the sides 'professionalism' during the tournament, the Daily Mail reports.
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This element has raised some eyebrows after Argentina's behaviour on the pitch was criticised during the tournament.
Following their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final, a brawl erupted on the pitch as Argentine players were seen shoving members of the Spanish team, and even throwing punches.
This reportedly included Leandro Paredes grabbing the throat of Spanish defender Eric Garcia, with FIFA opening an investigation into the 'violent conduct' which also allegedly involved Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
The side were also criticised for turning their backs on the victors Spain during the trophy lift.
The final was not the only time that the Argentinian side caused controversy in the tournament either.
Following their 2-1 defeat of England in the semifinal, members of the squad held up a banner which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', meaning 'the Falklands are Argentine', in a reference to the country's longstanding claim over the islands.
Many were outraged over the stunt, including the Falklands government who issued a statement afterwards saying: "It is hardly news to anyone that the people of the Islands were victims of an aggressive invasion in 1982, which left many traumatised.
"The banner displayed by Argentina last night, therefore, was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands.”
Infantino's letter to the Argentine FA
"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.
"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.
"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."
LADBible has approached FIFA for comment.
Topics: World Cup, Football, World News
Kit Roberts