On Sunday, MetLife Stadium was abuzz as former US President Donald Trump stepped onto the scene to award Spain the FIFA World Cup trophy after their exhilarating win.
Spain claimed their second World Cup victory with a narrow 1-0 win against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, securing their triumph in extra time thanks to Ferran Torres’s late goal.
Following the match’s conclusion, Trump descended to the field, joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino on a specially prepared stage to participate in the trophy presentation.
Amid cheers, Trump handed the coveted trophy to Spain’s captain and Manchester City standout, Rodri, who joyfully lifted it high above the crowd gathered in East Rutherford.
Echoing moments from last summer’s Club World Cup presentation, Trump was again side-by-side with the jubilant Spanish team as they joyously celebrated their victory.
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.’
Earlier in the day, Trump and his wife Melania were seen taking in the action inside a packed MetLife Stadium suite – alongside FIFA President Infantino, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Trump also shook hands with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as Infantino stood beside them.
More to follow…