Leaked letter from Infantino praising Argentina’s ‘professionalism’ comes amid FIFA probe into World Cup final brawl

FILE – FIFA President Gianni Infantino watches an international friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel, File) A leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulating Argentina on finishing as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup has sparked fresh debate after he praised the team’s “professionalism” despite football’s governing body currently investigating the nation’s conduct following the final against Spain.Spain clinched their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. While Luis de la Fuente’s team celebrated a historic triumph, the final quickly descended into controversy as several Argentine players and members of the coaching staff engaged in post-match confrontations with their Spanish counterparts.

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FIFA subsequently launched disciplinary proceedings over the incidents, making the tone of Infantino’s private correspondence all the more surprising.

The letter congratulates Argentina despite the ongoing investigation

The letter, which was first reported by the Argentine media and later verified Daily Mailit was addressed to Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and formed part of FIFA’s usual post-tournament correspondence sent to medal-winning countries.However, several passages have drawn attention as they praise Argentina’s behavior while the federation remains under investigation.Infantino opened the letter by congratulating Argentina for finishing second in the tournament.“Dear Mr. President, yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, Argentina won the silver medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a thrilling final against Spain at the spectacular New York New Jersey Stadium,” he wrote.“I would like to repeat my most sincere congratulations on this important new result for Argentine football.”The FIFA president went on to describe the tournament as an “unforgettable celebration of football”, highlighting the quality of the matches, the emerging young talents, the established stars and the atmosphere created by the fans throughout the competition.He also credited Argentina with being instrumental in the success of the tournament.“Albiceleste’s superb performance also played a decisive role in making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football fans around the world.”

Praise for “professionalism” raises eyebrows

Perhaps the most scrutinized part of the letter came when Infantino praised the qualities he said had fueled Argentina’s progress to the finals.He asked Tapia to pass on his congratulations to Lionel Scaloni, the players, the coaching staff, the medical team and the fans, before adding that the success reflected “continuous work, professionalism and attention to detail” along with passion, commitment and love for the game.Infantino concluded by expressing confidence in Argentina’s future and wishing the federation success in the upcoming competitions before signing off: “With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”The correspondence has drawn criticism as it comes as FIFA continues to investigate referee reports and video footage relating to the chaotic scenes that took place immediately after the final whistle.

The World Cup final ended in ugly scenes

The defeat of Argentina was followed by confrontations between several players and members of the coaching staff.Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before also clashing with Gavi during the melee, while Nahuel Molina appeared to punch Spain captain Rodri. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala and midfielder Thiago Almada have also been linked to the incidents being investigated.Much of the Argentina team also turned their backs as Spain celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy, sparking widespread criticism.The match itself was highly physical. Argentina finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second bookable offense following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, while Spain finally broke through in extra-time when Torres converted a Nico Williams knockdown to seal victory.

Controversy went beyond the finale

The final was not the only occasion Argentina found themselves at the center of controversy during the tournament.Lionel Messi was criticized after appearing to urge Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to send off Spain defender Marco Cucurella during the final, while Argentina also faced allegations of simulation and gamesmanship during their semi-final win over England.The match made further headlines after several Argentine players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentina’s”), drawing criticism from British political figures and football observers.Since the final, FIFA has continued its disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct, while the wider fallout has intensified.A petition calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups has attracted millions of signatures, while a separate campaign launched by Argentina supporters has called for the final to be replayed due to allegations of officiating. However, there is no evidence that FIFA or referee Slavko Vinčić acted improperly during the match, and neither campaign has any legal or sporting authority over the outcome of the tournament.In this context, Infantino’s congratulatory letter, and in particular his praise for Argentina’s “professionalism”, has added another layer of scrutiny to FIFA’s handling of the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup finals, even as its own disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.