Infantino sends warm congratulations to Argentina over World Cup run as FIFA investigates post-final scenes

Gianni Infantino has sent a glowing letter of congratulations to Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia after Argentina’s World Cup 2026 final defeat by Spain – despite a mounting disciplinary investigation and a storm of criticism around the team’s behaviour.

The Argentine Football Association published in full the official message from the FIFA president, in which Infantino hailed Argentina’s campaign and described their runners-up finish as an “important success” for the country’s football, even though the tournament was overshadowed by refereeing controversy and ill-tempered incidents.

Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time to Spain at the New York-New Jersey stadium, but Infantino focused entirely on praise rather than the fallout that has followed the final.

“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 important success for Argentine football.

“The World Cup will remain in our memory as an unforgettable celebration of the game, marked by fantastic matches, the emergence of new talents, the presence of the sport’s biggest stars and the exceptional atmosphere in packed stadiums.”

Infantino: ‘A decisive contribution’ from Argentina

Infantino said Argentina’s performance played a major part in the overall appeal and commercial success of the tournament.

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

He asked Tapia, who is also a member of the FIFA Council, to pass on his congratulations to every member of the squad and staff.

“I send my sincere congratulations to all those who helped to achieve this excellent result: the players, coach Lionel Scaloni, the technical and medical staff, and of course the numerous fans who supported and encouraged the team throughout the tournament,” he added.

Infantino went on to emphasise the work behind Argentina’s run and predicted further success.

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

He closed the letter with a personal message to Tapia: “I wish you all the best in the upcoming competitions and I hope to see you very soon.”

The letter was not Infantino’s first public message to Argentina since the final. Earlier in the week he had posted similar words on his Instagram account.

No mention of controversy amid growing criticism

Infantino’s correspondence notably avoided any reference to the rows that have trailed Argentina’s World Cup journey, including complaints from rival teams and analysts about refereeing decisions perceived to favour the reigning champions going into the tournament.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan was among those to voice displeasure after his side were knocked out by Argentina in the last 16. He criticised several officiating calls in that match, arguing that some decisions had gone in favour of the former world champions.

Throughout the competition a number of incidents sparked debate, and the mood darkened further after the final itself, when several Argentina players came under fire for clashes with Spain’s players during and after the match.

Final flashpoints under disciplinary scrutiny

The final in New York-New Jersey was marred by a series of flashpoints. Enzo Fernandez was sent off following a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsi, the most prominent of several outbreaks of on-field tension.

At the final whistle, Leandro Paredes was seen confronting and making physical contact with several Spain players, an incident that has drawn particular scrutiny as part of the wider disciplinary review.

Controversy intensified when Argentina’s players chose to walk towards their own supporters rather than stay on the pitch to watch Spain lift the trophy, a gesture that divided opinion and prompted further criticism of the squad’s conduct.

FIFA opens formal investigation

FIFA has confirmed that it has launched an official investigation into the post-match scenes.

“After assessing the reports of the FIFA World Cup final 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 possible violations of the Code in relation to the post-match events,” a FIFA statement said.

“Additional details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been finalised,” the statement added.

Alongside the formal disciplinary process, public anger has been reflected in a petition calling for Argentina to be banned for life from the World Cup, which has attracted more than 23 million signatures, underlining the intensity of the backlash that stands in stark contrast to the FIFA president’s warm words.