FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shamelessly praised Argentina’s ‘professionalism’ in a tone-deaf letter to the nation’s FA – regardless of launching an investigation into their behaviour after dropping the World Cup remaining towards Spain.
Whereas congratulatory letters are customary after the World Cup, with all three medal-winning nations receiving one from Infantino, his selection of phrases is questionable.
Within the letter – first leaked by the Argentine media and since verified by Each day Mail Sport – despatched to the President of the Argentine FA, Claudio Tapia, Infantino thanked Argentina for his or her impression on a profitable World Cup and applauded their professionalism.
‘Expensive Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, on the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina received the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an thrilling remaining towards Spain,’ Infantino stated.
‘I wish to reiterate my most honest congratulations for this necessary new consequence for Argentine soccer.
‘The FIFA World Cup 2026 will stay in reminiscence as an unforgettable celebration of soccer, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of recent guarantees, the presence of the nice figures of the game and the extraordinary environment lived in stadiums stuffed with followers.
Gianni Infantino handed Lionel Messi his silver medal alongside President Trump
Infantino watched the World Cup semi-final with Argentine FA chief Claudio Tapia
The Argentina squad turned their again as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy
‘The magnificent efficiency of the Albiceleste additionally contributed decisively to creating this version an distinctive occasion that captivated tens of millions of soccer lovers all over the world.
‘Please ship my honest congratulations to all who’ve contributed to this magnificent consequence: to the gamers, to teach Lionel Scaloni, in addition to to the teaching and medical employees and, after all, to the numerous followers who’ve accompanied and inspired the staff all through the competitors.
‘These victories are all the time the fruit of fixed work, professionalism and a focus to element, but additionally of ardour, dedication and love for this glorious sport. All this augurs a really promising future and, indubitably, will pave the best way for brand spanking new and nice successes for Argentine soccer.
‘I want you, expensive Mr. President, all one of the best for the subsequent competitions and I hope to see you once more very quickly. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.’
Argentina, who misplaced in extra-time within the remaining, annoyed opponents all through the match with their anti-football model of play.
The 2022 winners didn’t register a single shot on the right track within the remaining and following the defeat, they turned their backs as Luis de la Fuente’s aspect lifted the trophy.
Leonardo Paredes attacked Eric Garcia in a post-match fracas that additionally appeared to contain Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala – an incident FIFA are investigating.
The ultimate itself was full of controversy. Lionel Messi tried to con referee Slavko Vincic into sending Marc Cucurella off after the Spain defender lined his mouth whereas talking to the official. Argentina had tried an identical tactic on Jude Bellingham throughout their semi-final towards England.
In that semi-final victory, Argentina have been additionally responsible of frequent simulation and gamesmanship in a provocative show.
Additionally they drew complaints from British dignitaries after celebrating with a banner studying ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which interprets as ‘The Falklands are Argentine’.
