Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero skipped a handshake with United States President Donald Trump during Argentina’s World Cup final medal ceremony at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal.
Trump's role in the ceremony
FIFA president Gianni Infantino ensured Trump took centre stage for the medal ceremony, and the US President handed Spain captain Rodri the World Cup trophy. However, during Argentina’s silver medal ceremony, Martinez opted not to shake hands with either Infantino or Trump, who gave the Manchester United centre-back his medal.
Romero shook hands with Infantino, who gave him his World Cup medal, but the Tottenham defender walked straight past Trump and shook hands with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Social media reaction
Video of the incident circulated on social media, with one post on X (formerly Twitter) stating: "En la entrega de las medallas, Cuti Romero y Licha Martínez le negaron el saludo al genocida Donald Trump." The post, from user @Agitacion_, added: "Los dos centrales de la selección nacional, además de dejarlo todo en la cancha, se negaron a saludar al presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump."
Scaloni's emotional press conference
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the team to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and two Copa America titles, was in tears during his post-match press conference. "I feel the need to think because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do something as big as this," Scaloni said about his future with the Argentina national team. "We would have to talk about it. My place is everyone’s dream place. We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff, the players too, and I think it’s only fair to consider it. This place is wonderful."
He added: "I never imagined I’d be here. To move forward, a lot of things are needed. Above all, we need to reset, to form a group like this, which is unlikely to ever be formed again. It breaks my heart. I’m sorry."
Messi's likely final World Cup
Lionel Messi was also in tears during Spain’s trophy celebration. The match is expected to be Messi’s last in an Argentina shirt at a World Cup. "He is 39 years old, it is unbelievable," Scaloni said. "It was always crystal clear to me that he would play until he chose to stop and that everyone would support him. I hope everyone is proud of him, because he is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch."
