Gianni Infantino’s astonishing letter congratulating Argentina on finishing second at the World Cup is LEAKED as FIFA president hails Lionel Messi and Co’s ‘professionalism’ despite thuggish post-match antics
A leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that he congratulated Argentina on finishing runners-up at the World Cup, praising the squad's "professionalism" despite ugly scenes involving Lionel Messi and teammates after their final defeat to Spain. The disclosure has raised eyebrows given the timing, as it followed widely criticised post-match conduct by several Argentina players, prompting questions about FIFA's response to poor sportsmanship at its showpiece tournament.
Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, with the aftermath marked by what has been described as violent and thuggish behaviour from members of the losing side. Despite this, Infantino's letter reportedly focused on commending the team's conduct throughout the competition, a stance that sits awkwardly alongside the reported post-match altercations and has fuelled criticism of the FIFA chief's handling of the incident.
- Infantino's leaked letter praised Argentina's "professionalism" after World Cup final loss
- Argentina lost final to Spain amid ugly post-match scenes involving players
- Letter's timing criticised given reports of thuggish conduct after the match