Infantino’s private remark on players after World Cup final | Football | Sport
Luis de la Fuente revealed the chat with Gianni Infantino (Image: Getty)
Gianni Infantino has said Spain are an example to football, making the remark in the wake of the World Cup final’s ugly scenes – clashes sparked by Argentina’s players after Spain’s 1–0 win in New Jersey. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the melee, throwing punches and kicks at opposing players as they celebrated their victory.
An extra‑time strike from Ferran Torres sealed the win for La Roja, securing the iconic golden trophy. Argentina were already down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a moment of madness late in normal time. Tempers then boiled over after the final whistle, with violence erupting across the MetLife Stadium pitch.
Others were pulled into the fray as the situation spiralled out of control, though order was restored before the medal ceremony and Spain lifted the trophy. FIFA have since opened an investigation into the unsavoury scenes.
Infantino previously met Spain coach Luis de la Fuente at the Olympic Games, where de la Fuente later revealed the details of their conversation. Those sentiments were reiterated after the World Cup, with Infantino stressing that his praise for Spain’s players still applies today.
“I always say that private conversations should be private, but in this case, I think it’s worth mentioning,” he began telling Marca. “Why? Because it highlights the caliber of our players. Look, Infantino and I met at the Olympic Games, where we won the silver medal. The players’ behaviour was spectacular.
“They put on their medals, they didn’t take them off, they enjoyed the closing ceremony. When the ceremony was over, Infantino came up to me and said, ‘Mister, your players are an example.’
Ugly scenes marred the World Cup final (Image: Getty)
“And many of those players were in this final. He reminded me of it the other day, saying, ‘What I told you at the Olympic Games still applies today. What an example of everything: team spirit, camaraderie, generosity, sacrifice, and footballing greatness.’ And that’s something to be proud of. It’s the greatest source of pride, beyond anything purely related to football.
This is, of course, a stark contrast to the behaviour of some Argentina players after the final whistle in the World Cup final – not only sparking the clashes on the pitch, but with several members of the squad also turning their backs as Spain lifted the trophy.
It’s a moment that sits worlds apart from the professionalism and respect Infantino highlighted in his conversation with la Fuente, praising Spain’s players for their team spirit, humility and conduct across both tournaments.
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With Argentina facing potential sanctions for their role in the post‑match violence, ill feeling between the two nations is running high and their rivalry is set to resume in just a few months where they will meet in the rescheduled Finalissima, the one-off game between the Copa America winners and the reigning European champions.
It remains to be seen if the hostility between Spain and Argentina will spill over into the competition, which will represent the next opportunity to add to their respective trophy cabinets. The new date is yet to be confirmed by UEFA and CONMEBOL, but everything suggests an announcement could be made in due course.
