Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Gianni Infantino has sent a letter to the Argentinian FA. His message comes after Lionel Scaloni’s men were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final.

The Argentines drew a lot of criticism for their efforts against the Spanish, as they played a physical game and did little in attack. Enzo Fernandez picked up a red card, while there were unsporting scenes at full-time when Leandro Paredes, among others, clashed with the likes of Gavi and Eric Garcia.

There were also conspiracy theories that FIFA favoured Lionel Messi’s side throughout the tournament, with some notably refereeing decisions going Argentina’s way. As a result, a petition has drawn more than 23 million signatures as it calls for the Argentines to be banned from future World Cups.

In light of all the drama, FIFA boss Infantino has sent a letter to the President of the Argentine FA, Claudio Tapia.

Infantino’s Strange World Cup Letter

REUTERS/Henry Romero

The contents of Infantino’s letter – as reported by the Daily Mail – are quite strange as he praises them for coming second, insisting ‘Argentina won the silver medal,’ before also applauding their ‘professionalism’.

In full, Infantino wrote: “Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.

“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.

“Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.

“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.”

President of the Argentine FA Speaks Out After World Cup Final Loss

REUTERS/Lee Smith

While it’s not yet emerged what Argentina FA chief Tapia has said in response to Infantino’s letter, he has addressed the public after watching his team lose the World Cup final. The FA president was keen to praise Spain for their triumph, insisting that they were deserving winners.

Some Argentinians had felt unfairly treated in the final, with a petition earning around 100,000 signatures. It alleged that Slovakian referee Slavko Vincic and the officiating team’s decisions forced the outcome of the match.

However, Tapia has played down any such notion, stating: “We were unable to get past Spain. We couldn’t beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that.”

He added: “In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories. Yes, we lost a final. But it’s also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country. Argentina had celebrated a match earlier because this team once again demonstrated why it means so much to our people.”

Celtic are looking to replace Kasper Schmeichel and believe they have found a new number one for Martin O’Neill.

Schmeichel announced his retirement in May due to injury, and the Bhoys have been tasked with finding an heir. The Danish goalkeeper made 88 appearances over two years at Celtic Park, winning the Scottish Premiership twice.

Finnish shot-stopper Viljami Sinisalo played in a 2-2 draw against AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. He’s not expected to be the permanent solution between the sticks.

Celtic Advancing For Horkas Amid Saudi Interest

According to Spanish outlet La Provincia, Celtic have “intensified talks” with Las Palmas for Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas. They have been alerted to interest from the Saudi Pro League and thus are stepping up their interest.

The reigning Scottish champions are trying to finalise a deal for Horkas and have held negotiations with the Spanish outfit in Marbella. The 27-year-old has two years left on his contract but is tipped to move on after enjoying an impressive season.

Horkas kept 14 clean sheets in 41 La Liga 2 games last season, helping Las Palmas to a fifth-placed finish. His club aren’t under pressure to sell the Croatian and are aware that he is one of their most important assets.

That said, interest in Horkaš has been intensifying, and Celtic weren’t the only European club eyeing him. Olympiacos, Torino and Levante had also been linked, although none of those clubs advanced as the Scots have.

Should he make the move, he’d follow Kasper Hogh to Parkhead. The club have agreed on a club-record deal with Bodo/Glimt for the Norweigan forward.

Celtic Need to Get it Done

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Celtic can’t afford to let the transfer saga rumble on as the new season draws near. O’Neill would want a new number one to familiarise themselves with the club and get to grips with his teammates.

Horkas is an experienced shot-stopper who possesses a six-foot-two-inch frame and could be the answer for the Bhoys. There is always some risk in signing a goalkeeper from abroad, but he is at the right age to adapt well to life at Celtic Park.

There’s no mention of a fee in the report, but one would assume it would be a reasonable price given Las Palmas’ status as a La Liga 2 club. The threat of Saudi Pro League clubs showing interest should lead to a deal getting done soon.

Whenever it’s a World Cup year, the best players that summer tend to put themselves into the front-running for the Ballon d’Or race. Lionel Messi, for example, won it after his success with Argentina at Qatar 2022, while Luka Modric won the prize in 2018 when Croatia made it all the way to the final in Russia.

In 2026, Spain won the World Cup, meaning key players Rodri and Lamine Yamal will win plenty of votes this year. Beyond the tournament winners, the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane also would have helped their causes after impressing the summer.

However, one English pundit has claimed that nobody from the World Cup in North America deserves to win the award, naming an alternative pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or instead.

Gabby Agbonlahor Dismisses Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or Hopes

England’s Harry Kane via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Speaking on talkSPORT, former England international Gabby Agbonlahor has explained why he doesn’t think Kane will get the award. He began:

“Listen, Harry Kane: fantastic season at Bayern Munich, done very well at the World Cup… six goals, two assists, 72 goals in total [for club and country]. But I don’t think he’s going to get it.”

“I just think, you know, Champions League disappointment, World Cup disappointment… it’s normally a player, if there’s a World Cup in that year, that gets [the Ballon d’Or]. For instance, Rodri won it in 2024 after winning the Euros, and obviously success with Manchester City.”

The ex-Aston Villa striker then explained that Barcelona and Spain star Yamal has a good chance of winning, due to the success he’s had this summer, noting: “I look at Lamine Yamal. Listen, won the Euros before; won the World Cup this year; won LaLiga; 45 appearances, 24 goals, 18 assists last season with Barcelona. “I think he’s my standout of all the players because he won domestically, he played a lot of football and he won the World Cup.”

Agbonlahor Names His Ballon d’Or Favourite

Although Agbonlahor suggested that Yamal was probably the strongest contender right now, saying “I see Yamal picking it up,” he claimed that somebody who didn’t play in the World Cup would be his personal pick. After insisting that Mbappe and Messi hadn’t done enough to secure the award, he said:

When it was put to him that Kvaratskhelia didn’t play in the World Cup, Agbonlahor replied:

Finally, when asked who he’d choose if he had a vote for the Ballon d’Or, Agbonlahor answered: “Kvaratskhelia. I’d pick him. I think he’s the player that I’ve just enjoyed watching.”