Emerges amid FIFA investigation into World Cup final
Despite the fact that FIFA is currently investigating Argentina for the events following the World Cup final, federation president Gianni Infantino has nevertheless praised the country’s football association in a letter that has now been leaked. The letter comes to light at the same time as the organization investigates the chaotic and unsportsmanlike scenes that unfolded after the referee blew off the match.
After Ferran Torres decided the final with his goal in extra time to secure the victory for Spain, dramatic scenes arose when several members of Argentina’s team and coaching staff became involved in both physical and verbal clashes with the Spanish players. Leandro Paredes appeared to take a stranglehold on Eric Garcia and at the same time threw Gavi to the ground, while his teammate Nahuel Molina apparently punched Spain’s captain Rodri. In addition, most in the Argentine camp chose to turn their backs when Rodri lifted the trophy in the air.
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FIFA has since opened a formal investigation into the incidents. At the same time, a petition demanding that Argentina be banned from future tournaments has gathered over 23 million signatures. As a counter-reaction, Argentine supporters have started their own petition demanding a rematch of the final and accusing referee Slavko Vinčić of corruption – without there being any evidence that neither FIFA nor the referee has in any way received bribes or acted corruptly.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s Football Federation president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia has urged fans to accept Spain’s victory. The country’s president, Javier Milei, on the other hand, was far less diplomatic, stating, “The problem with Argentina is that we stand out. We don’t go unnoticed, people are envious of us, and we’re good at almost everything. Sorry, but someone had to say that.”
Infantino sends strange praise in leaked letter
Despite the ongoing FIFA investigation, the organization’s president Gianni Infantino has chosen to send a letter to the Argentine Football Federation in which he praises the country’s “professionalism”. The letter was first reported by Argentine media and later confirmed by the Daily Mail. In the letter, Infantino writes:
“Dear Mr. President. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my sincerest congratulations for this important new achievement for Argentine football.”
He further writes: “The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in the memory as an unforgettable football feast, marked by spectacular matches, breakthroughs for new talent, the presence of the sport’s great legends and the very special atmosphere in stadiums filled with enthusiastic supporters. The Albiceleste’s magnificent efforts went a long way in making the championship a one-of-a-kind event that captivated millions of football fans around the world.”
He concludes by asking the federation president to convey his congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the result: “To the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff, and of course to the many supporters who have followed and cheered on the team throughout the tournament. These victories are always the result of persistent work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, dedication and love for this wonderful sport. All of this portends a very promising future and will no doubt pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.”
Infantino concludes the letter by wishing the president all the best in the upcoming competitions and expresses the hope of meeting again soon, sincerely, Gianni Infantino.
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