Gianni Infantino sent a private congratulatory letter to Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia praising the squad's "professionalism" — the same squad FIFA is currently investigating for a post-match brawl, persistent simulation, and a string of incidents that soured the tournament's final days.
The letter, dated July 20, 2026 and first reported by Argentine media before being verified by the Daily Mail, was written the day after Spain beat Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York. Argentina failed to register a single shot on target in that match and turned their backs as Luis de la Fuente's side lifted the trophy. Infantino's response? A warm note about their "magnificent performance" and contribution to making the 2026 World Cup "an exceptional event."
The letter that raises more questions than it answers
The most jarring section comes near the end: "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."
Victories. He called a silver medal "victories" — plural — while overlooking the scenes that followed the final whistle. Leandro Paredes attacked Eric Garcia in a post-match confrontation that FIFA has since opened a formal investigation into, with Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala also implicated.
Throughout the knockout rounds, Argentina drew widespread criticism for simulation and gamesmanship. In the final itself, Lionel Messi reportedly tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off for covering his mouth while speaking — a tactic Argentina had previously deployed against Jude Bellingham in the semi-final against England. During that same semi-final, their players were accused of repeated diving to manipulate the referee. Argentine players and celebrities also celebrated with a political banner referencing the Falkland Islands, drawing formal complaints from British officials.
A friendship letter, not a governance document
The closing lines of Infantino's letter reveal the tone of the whole thing: "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."
This wasn't a statement of governance. It was a personal note between allies. The problem is that FIFA's disciplinary process is ongoing, and its president has now put his name to a document that reads like a character reference for the accused.
For anyone trying to read the tea leaves on how seriously FIFA will pursue those investigations — this letter isn't exactly encouraging. The outcome of any sanctions process against Argentine players and staff will be watched closely, not least because Infantino has already tipped his hand on where his sympathies lie.
