Infantino hails Argentina World Cup run in warm letter despite FIFA probe and criticism

Gianni Infantino has sent a glowing letter of congratulations to Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia following Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, even as FIFA investigates the team’s conduct and criticism continues over refereeing decisions during the tournament.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, but Infantino described their runners-up finish as a “success” and paid tribute to the impact of Lionel Scaloni’s side on the competition as a whole.

The Argentine Football Association published the full text of Infantino’s message on its official website, highlighting the tone of praise for the “Albiceleste” despite the storm surrounding their World Cup campaign.

“In the magnificent New York-New Jersey Stadium, Argentina obtained the silver medal at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after an exciting final against Spain,” Infantino wrote. “I would like to reiterate my warmest congratulations on this significant success for Argentinian football.

“The World Cup will remain in our memories as an unforgettable celebration of the game, characterised by great matches, the emergence of new talents, the presence of the biggest stars of our sport and exceptional atmospheres in packed stadiums,” he added.

Praise for Argentina’s role in 2026 tournament

Infantino stressed that Argentina’s performances were central to what he portrayed as a highly successful edition of the tournament.

“The superb performances of the Albiceleste contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that attracted millions of football fans around the world,” he said.

The FIFA president asked Tapia to pass on his congratulations to everyone involved with the national team.

“I send my sincere congratulations to all those who contributed to achieving this excellent result: the players, coach Lionel Scaloni, the technical and medical staff and, of course, the many supporters who backed and encouraged the team throughout the tournament,” he wrote.

Infantino went on to praise the work behind Argentina’s campaign and spoke optimistically about the country’s footballing future.

“These achievements are always the result of hard work, professionalism and great attention to detail, but they are also the product of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport,” he said. “All this bodes very well for the future, and undoubtedly paves the way for further major successes for Argentinian football.”

He concluded the letter with a personal message to Tapia, who is also a member of the FIFA Council: “I wish you every success in the upcoming competitions and I hope to see you very soon.”

It was not the first time Infantino had addressed Argentina following the World Cup. He had already posted similar words on his Instagram account on Tuesday.

No mention of refereeing row or misconduct claims

Infantino’s letter made no reference to the controversies that accompanied Argentina’s route through the tournament, nor to the criticisms from other teams and observers over refereeing calls that some felt favoured the defending champions.

Hossam Hassan, the Egypt head coach, publicly questioned several decisions after his side were knocked out by Argentina in the last 16, arguing that some incidents went in favour of the former world champions.

Several episodes during the tournament and, in particular, images from the immediate aftermath of the final provoked widespread debate. A number of Argentina players were heavily criticised for clashes with Spain’s players following the final whistle.

The match itself was marked by a series of flashpoints. Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a robust challenge on Pau Cubarsi, while Leandro Paredes was involved in an altercation with several Spain players after the game had ended.

The controversy did not end on the pitch. Argentina’s players opted to walk towards their own supporters rather than stay on the field to watch Spain lift the trophy, a gesture that drew further scrutiny and divided opinion.

FIFA opens formal disciplinary investigation

FIFA has confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee has opened a formal investigation into the scenes that followed the final.

“After assessing the reports of the FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the Code in relation to the post-match events,” a FIFA statement said.

“Additional details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee upon completion of the report of the prosecutor,” the statement added.

Alongside the formal process, public pressure has intensified. A petition calling for Argentina to be banned for life from future World Cups has, according to the article, surpassed 23 million signatures, underlining the scale of the reaction to both their conduct and the contentious moments that marked their 2026 campaign.

Infantino’s letter, however, chose a markedly different tone and language, focusing solely on Argentina’s sporting achievement and its contribution to the tournament’s spectacle, while remaining silent on the ongoing disciplinary and ethical questions now facing FIFA and the Albiceleste.