FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a private letter to the Argentine Football Association after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final, and the message has now leaked online.

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, and Spain lifted the trophy. Argentina had entered the final as defending champions and heavy favorites, but they fell short against La Roja.

Infantino addressed the letter to Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine FA. He praised the team’s professionalism and congratulated the federation despite the defeat. Argentine media first reported the letter’s contents, and the Daily Mail later verified the text.

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In the letter, Infantino called Argentina’s run to the final an “important new result for Argentine soccer.” He also wrote that Argentina had won the “silver medal” of the tournament, a phrase that struck many readers as an unusual way to describe a runner-up finish. He reflected on the broader tournament, writing that the 2026 World Cup would remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football.

The letter arrives at an awkward moment for FIFA. The organization opened an investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the final, when several players and staff members clashed with Spanish opponents on the pitch. Leandro Paredes reportedly grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and threw Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch toward Spain captain Rodri. Enzo Fernandez picked up a red card during the match. Most of the Argentina camp also turned their backs as Rodri lifted the trophy, a moment that drew widespread criticism.

The scenes fueled a wave of backlash against the Argentine squad. A petition calling for Argentina’s exclusion from future World Cups has already gathered more than 23 million signatures. Critics have also revived conspiracy theories that FIFA favored Lionel Messi’s team throughout the tournament, pointing to several contested refereeing decisions that went Argentina’s way during the knockout rounds.

Against that backdrop, Infantino’s warm tone toward Argentina has puzzled observers. He praised the players, coaching staff, and federation leadership for their dedication and attention to detail throughout the competition. He closed the letter on a personal note, wishing Tapia well in future competitions and expressing hope that the two men would meet again soon.

“With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”

The timing has raised questions among fans and journalists alike. FIFA has not publicly commented on why Infantino praised Argentina so warmly while his own organization investigates the team’s behavior. The federation has also stayed quiet about how the private letter reached the public.

Spain’s players, meanwhile, have continued to celebrate their triumph. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, sealing a first World Cup title for Spain since 2010. Rodri captained the team to victory despite the ugly scenes that marred the trophy presentation.

Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni has not commented publicly on the leaked letter. His squad played a physical, defensive-minded final and struggled to create chances against Spain, drawing criticism from pundits who expected a more attacking approach from a team built around Messi.

FIFA’s investigation into the post-match incidents remains ongoing, and the organization has not announced a timeline for its findings. The leaked letter has added fresh pressure on Infantino, who now faces questions about whether his praise undercuts his own federation’s disciplinary process.

As the fallout continues, both FIFA and the Argentine FA face growing scrutiny over the handling of the final’s aftermath, and fans on both sides continue to debate what the leaked letter reveals about football’s governing body.