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FIFA President Gianni Infantino poured praise on Argentina for the country’s hosting of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after witnessing Uruguay defeat Italy in Sunday’s final at the Estadio La Plata.
Welcomed by Argentinian Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia upon his arrival in the South American nation, Mr. Infantino later headed to the stadium where he handed the trophy to winning captain Fabricio Díaz as La Celeste claimed their first global title in the age category.
The game brought the curtain down on the 24-team tournament, which Argentina staged after stepping in as hosts barely a month before the scheduled 20 May start.
“Congratulations to Uruguay on winning the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup – Argentina! After a thrilling final in La Plata, a new nation has added its name to the list of those to have won this tournament, which has created so many stars of our game.
“Well done, too, to Italy for their spirited performance in the final and also to Israel for winning the third-place play-off earlier in the day,” said Mr. Infantino, who enjoyed the final alongside President Tapia, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, FIFA Senior Football Advisor Youri Djorkaeff, and a number of FIFA Legends, including Roberto Baggio, David Trezeguet, Maxi Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Sorín.
“My gratitude goes to Argentina, to the Argentinian Football Federation and its President, Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, for hosting this tournament and providing a platform for future talents to shine on the global stage. Thank you!”
The game was also attended by around 400 children and youngsters from two groups – Asociación Civil Andar and the Fundación Defensores del Chaco – who have benefitted from the FIFA Foundation Community Programme, a global initiative that supports local groups that place football at the heart of their social projects.
A further 18 children, who were also guests of the FIFA Foundation, were selected to accompany the teams onto the pitch for the final and the playoff for third place.
