Cristian Romero was involved in an awkward moment with US President Donald Trump during the presentation of runners-up medals at the 2026 World Cup final
Argentina’s Cristian Romero appeared to snub US President Donald Trump’s handshake during a presentation of runners-up medals at the 2026 World Cup final.
Spain claimed the World Cup title after defeating the defending champions 1-0 in extra time, with Ferran Torres netting the decisive goal after Argentina were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal in the 93rd minute.
However, it was the events following the final whistle and during the trophy presentation ceremony that have drawn the most attention.
Despite being substituted during a underwhelming display for Argentina, Tottenham defender Romero, 28, still managed to leave his mark on proceedings by apparently blanking Trump altogether.
In footage that has since gone viral across social media, Romero can be seen shaking hands with both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, who were positioned on either side of Trump. He appears to look straight past the US president standing between them, as Trump assisted in distributing medals to both sides, reports the Express.
Whether the gesture was deliberate remains uncertain, though a significant number of online commentators appear convinced it was a clear “snub”.
The uncomfortable moment with Trump represented the third in a hat trick of awkward incidents for the US President. Shortly before kick-off, Trump had appeared on the giant screens inside MetLife Stadium.
The cheers that had accompanied the national anthem just moments earlier swiftly transformed into a chorus of boos, whistles, and jeers aimed at the president, who had touched down via the Marine One helicopter and executed a dramatic flyover of MetLife Stadium before kick-off.
Trump had been determined to prevent a repeat of his viral New York Knicks moment, while security teams took absolutely no chances. F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents were positioned to protect MetLife Stadium and the surrounding airspace.
The fixture had been classified as a “Level 1” special event – the most elevated security designation in the US – placing it alongside presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.
Matters didn’t improve for Trump following the final whistle, with jubilant Spaniards momentarily joining forces with the Argentinians in the crowd as it appeared the entire stadium erupted into a wave of boos and jeers shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Footage circulated on social media captured crowds heckling the 47th President of the United States as he made his way across the turf towards the centre of the pitch to present Spain with the World Cup trophy.
Appearing unfazed by the hostile crowd, Trump subsequently declined to vacate the podium after handing Spain the World Cup trophy, rendering his presence at the World Cup even more uncomfortable. Following the final whistle, the Spanish players made their way onto the podium one by one to receive their medals, before US President Trump and Gianni Infantino handed over the World Cup trophy.
However, rather than stepping back once the presentation had concluded, Trump remained on stage, shaking hands with players and punching the air as the festivities kicked off.
Infantino appeared to make an attempt to guide a seemingly hesitant Trump away from the squad, yet the US President continued to stand to the right of the team as they celebrated, casting a shadow over what should have been Spain’s defining trophy-lift moment.
