US President Donald Trump took center stage at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to hand the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain’s triumphant stars after their dramatic final win.
The European outfit clinched their second World Cup title after beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 after extra time, following a late strike from forward Ferran Torres.
Shortly after the full-time whistle, the US President made his way down to the field and onto a stage which had been constructed, along with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
Trump and Infantino handed out various awards to match officials and players, before officially welcoming Spain’s players up to the stage to lift the World Cup trophy.
The US President presented the prestigious title to Spain captain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who took great pleasure in raising it aloft in East Rutherford.
Much like when he presented the Club World Cup trophy last summer, Trump stood alongside the Spain squad as they raised the trophy and celebrated wildly.
Donald Trump took center stage as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy on Sunday afternoon
The President, along with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, presented the award to Spain
It appeared as though Infantino attempted to usher Trump away – but the President remained
There were an estimated 1.5-1.8 billion viewers who tuned in to watch the summer tournament’s showpiece finale, where Trump and Infantino took center stage.
It appeared as though, when Spain’s Rodri was about to do the trophy lift, Infantino had attempted to usher Trump away from the players, though the President remained.
However, there were loud boos coming from the stands as Infantino and Trump made their way onto the pitch, as fans made their feelings on the duo undoubtedly clear.
Prior to the trophy lift, Trump also handed out silver medals to Argentina’s players – including Lionel Messi – after their heartbreaking defeat in New Jersey.
Fans noted that one Argentina star – Tottenham defender Cristian Romero – completely ignored the President as he collected his medal from Infantino.
In a video which swiftly went viral on social media, the Argentinian could be seen receiving his silverware from the FIFA chief before waltzing past Trump on stage.
Trump, meanwhile, also presented a trio of awards to Spain’s stars; including the Young Player of the Tournament, the Golden Glove and the Golden Ball – which were claimed by Pau Cubarsi, Unai Simon and Rodri respectively.
There was a degree of irony in regards to Trump presenting Spain with the World Cup trophy, after previously launching a stinging attack on the country at a UN summit earlier in July for not contributing enough money to NATO.
The US President welcomed Spain’s stars onto the stage before presenting the prestigious title
The President also handed out silver medals to Lionel Messi and Argentina after their loss
Trump pictured presenting Lamine Yamal with his medal after the 1-0 win at MetLife Stadium
Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to ignore Trump as he walked on stage
‘Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate. They don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits,’ he said. ‘Don’t even talk to them. They’re hopeless, bad people.’
Then, on his way back to the United States on Air Force One, Trump said Spain had tried to improve their standings with him.
‘I did have issues, and I still do. But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today,’ he said.
‘They honoured a request for lots of payments, and if they didn’t, we wouldn’t have even talked to them.’
More to follow…
