(foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Cristian Romero sparked debate during Argentina’s medal ceremony after appearing to ignore US President Donald Trump while greeting the other dignitaries on the podium.
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Cristian Romero became the centre of attention following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final after an unusual moment involving United States President Donald Trump during the presentation of the runners-up medals.
Footage from the ceremony shows Romero receiving his silver medal before greeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the representatives of the other host nations. However, when the Tottenham defender reached Trump, he continued walking without offering his hand or making any obvious acknowledgement of the US president.
Romero subsequently shook hands with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The contrast ensured that the brief exchange with Trump was quickly noticed, and clips of the incident spread across social media within minutes.
Some supporters interpreted Romero’s actions as a deliberate political statement, while others argued that the moment may simply have resulted from confusion during a busy medal ceremony. Trump appeared to be occupied with preparing another medal and did not show any obvious reaction as the Argentine defender walked past him.
There has been no public explanation from Romero, the Argentine Football Association or the White House. The footage therefore confirms that no handshake took place, but it does not establish whether the defender intentionally ignored the president.
Romero had started the final at the heart of Argentina’s defence as Lionel Scaloni’s team attempted to retain the title won in Qatar four years earlier. He was replaced by Facundo Medina in the 70th minute and watched from the bench as Spain secured a 1-0 victory through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
The ceremony came at the end of a difficult evening for Argentina, who finished the match without registering a shot on target. Enzo Fernández was also sent off near the end of regular time, leaving the defending champions to play the whole of extra time with ten men.
Romero’s viral moment was not the only uncomfortable scene involving Trump during the final in New Jersey. The US president was greeted by loud boos from part of the crowd when he appeared on the stadium screens and again when he joined the post-match presentation.
Trump later helped present the medals and remained on the podium as Spain prepared to celebrate their second world title. Yet it was Romero’s missing handshake that generated one of the biggest discussions after the ceremony, with viewers still divided over whether it was a calculated snub or an innocent oversight.