On July 23, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a heartfelt letter to Claudio Tapia, the President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), commending the national team for their courageous performance in the World Cup. Although Argentina lost to Spain 0-1 in the final, Infantino recognized the team’s impressive achievement of reaching the final for the second consecutive time.

In his letter, Infantino expressed sincere congratulations for this significant milestone in Argentine football. He highlighted the contributions of Lionel Messi and his teammates, noting that their efforts created a memorable World Cup experience, especially as this tournament marked the first expansion to 48 teams.

Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina showcased an emotional journey, winning all their matches in the group stage. Messi, at the age of 39, shone brightly throughout the tournament, scoring 8 goals and leading the team through thrilling matches, including a dramatic comeback against Egypt (3-2) and a nail-biting victory over England (2-1) in the semifinals.

Infantino also extended his gratitude to the medical staff and the millions of passionate fans who supported the team in North America. He concluded his letter by affirming that Argentina's success stems from their professionalism and unwavering passion for football, expressing confidence that the team will return stronger to pursue new heights in the future.