Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to snub US President Donald Trump's handshake during the presentation of runners-up medals at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. The incident occurred after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal following Enzo Fernandez's red card in the 93rd minute.
Viral Footage Shows Apparent Snub
In footage circulating on social media, the 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur centre-back can be seen shaking hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, who flanked Trump. However, Romero appeared to glaze over the US president, who was handing out medals to both teams. It remains unclear whether the move was intentional, but many online have interpreted it as a deliberate snub.
Romero, who was substituted off during a lackluster final for Argentina, still managed to make his mark on the match with the apparent snub. The clip was shared by the account Out of Context Football Manager with the caption: "Cristian Romero airing Trump. Fair play."
Trump Booed Throughout the Event
The awkward moment was the third in a series of uncomfortable incidents for Trump during the final. Before kick-off, Trump appeared on the giant screens inside MetLife Stadium, and the cheers that had accompanied the national anthem quickly gave way to a chorus of boos, whistles, and jeers directed at the president. Trump had arrived via Marine One helicopter, making a dramatic flyover of the stadium before the match.
The match was designated a "Level 1" special event, the highest security classification in the US, on par with presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses. Security measures included F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents deployed to safeguard the stadium and surrounding airspace.
Trump Lingers During Trophy Presentation
After the match, the situation did not improve for Trump. Celebrating Spanish fans briefly sided with Argentinian supporters as the entire stadium erupted in boos and jeers after the final whistle. Footage shared by NBC News correspondent Monica Alba showed crowds heckling the 47th President of the United States as he walked across the pitch to present Spain with the World Cup trophy.
Seemingly unbothered by the hostile crowd, Trump then refused to leave the podium after presenting the trophy. Spanish players walked up individually to collect their medals before Trump and Infantino handed them the trophy. Instead of stepping aside, Trump remained on stage, shaking hands with players and raising his fists in the air as celebrations began. Infantino appeared to try to usher a seemingly uncertain Trump away, but the president stayed to the right of the squad, overshadowing Spain's trophy-lift moment.
