Overview
- During Friday’s draw in Washington, Lionel Scaloni was told to wear white gloves before touching the World Cup trophy.
- At Saturday’s Match Schedule Reveal, Gianni Infantino publicly apologized, called Scaloni on stage, and handed him the trophy bare-handed.
- Scaloni said staff apparently did not recognize him, which he suggested led to the unusual glove request.
- The incident drew swift online and media criticism as disrespectful to the reigning champions, prompting FIFA’s corrective gesture.
- Argentina were placed in Group J and open on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan.