Chiqui Tapia, president of the AFA and recently indicted by the Justice system, starred in a curious scene while Lionel Messi was being interviewed after Argentina's victory over England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.
The official appeared behind the captain of the Argentine National Team and made a gesture that quickly began to circulate on social media.
The leader appeared behind the captain of the Argentine National Team
Lionel Messi's reaction during the moment
Noticing the situation, Lionel Messi looked at Chiqui Tapia, smiled, and continued with the interview without interrupting his statements.
The captain was analyzing Argentina's qualification and was already starting to anticipate the final of the 2026 World Cup, following another outstanding performance by the team.
Argentina will play the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain
The Argentine National Team secured a spot in the final after defeating England 2-1. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for the British, while Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez turned the result around.
With this victory, the team led by Lionel Scaloni will face Spain in the final, which reached the decisive match after clearly overcoming France.
On their way to the final, Argentina eliminated Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England to fight for the title of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina will play the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain
Chiqui Tapia remains indicted in a tax evasion case in the AFA
While accompanying the Argentine National Team in the 2026 World Cup, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia continues to be indicted in a legal case for alleged improper retention of contributions in the AFA.
According to the Economic Criminal Chamber, his indictment for the accusation related to the retention of contributions calculated at 19 billion pesos has been upheld. The decision also affected the treasurer of the AFA, Pablo Toviggino, and the association itself as a legal entity.
Chiqui Tapia is still being prosecuted in a case for tax evasion at the AFA
Tapia has a seizure of 350 million pesos and a prohibition on leaving the country. However, he traveled to the United States with judicial authorization to accompany the Argentine delegation during the World Cup.
With this resolution, both Tapia and Toviggino are closer to facing an oral trial in the case investigating the alleged omission of the deposit of withholdings corresponding to VAT, Income Tax, and contributions to Social Security.
