As Infantino faced backlash over a private equity partnership proposal following the 2026 World Cup and several European football associations withdrew their support, Argentine football legends Javier Sánetí, Juan Sebastián Verón, and Diego Paredes publicly endorsed him ahead of the FIFA presidential election.

The three issued a joint statement of support:

"Over the past decade, we have witnessed FIFA and Infantino's efforts to ensure player representation in football in ways that did not previously exist. Current and retired players now have a voice and a meaningful role in the sport through participation on committees, projects, and working groups. Our views are being heard, and many initiatives beneficial to football have succeeded because of our contributions, ideas, input, and active involvement."

"We have witnessed firsthand how football transforms lives, improves communities, and creates opportunities for people everywhere in the world. We remain committed to continuing to share this hope with people globally. We will continue to support the important evolution that has defined this sport over the past decade, enabling us to reach and benefit all football nations across the world."

Opinions among football legends regarding Infantino's leadership remain divided. During the 2026 World Cup in North America, Sánetí, Cambiazo, and Paredes were frequent VIP guests in Argentina's match boxes. Their public endorsement of Infantino starkly contrasts with an opposing open letter backed by national teams and associations expressing discontent with FIFA's current direction.

Former Manchester United defender Mikaël Silvestre issued a critical statement on social media regarding FIFA's top-level governance. "For too long we have seen major decisions made without consulting players, without considering their feelings, and completely ignoring the fans who support this sport. Change is needed. Power has clouded the current leadership's ability to distinguish between self-interest and what is best for football. It's time to stop."

As a member of the FIFA Players' Voice group, Silvestre's statement was reshared and amplified on social media by several retired stars. Prominent figures supporting this criticism include England Women's national team defender Lucy Bronze, former goalkeeper David James, Emmanuel Petit, Didier Drogba, Robert Pires, Claudio Pizarro, Emmanuel Adebayor, and former Argentina international Juan Sebastián Verón.

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