World Cup star’s quick reaction when Donald Trump offered a handshake at the medal ceremony
After the World Cup final, it looked like an Argentine player didn’t want to shake hands with US President Donald Trump.
Ferran Torres scored a goal in extra time, helping Spain win their second World Cup. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Argentina had a tough time attacking, not even taking a shot on goal until the 116th minute. Argentina set an unfortunate record by having zero shots on target in a World Cup final, while Spain had 11 shots on target out of 20 attempts.
Spain played their usual smart, patient game with lots of passing. Argentina tried to play rough, and things got heated when Enzo Fernández got a second yellow card for a tough tackle on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí in the 93rd minute.
Fans and experts agreed Spain deserved the win and were the only team playing real soccer at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Many famous people came to watch, including tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, musicians Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and actor Will Ferrell.
The half-time show was mixed—Wayne Rooney called it “crap,” even though big names like Justin Bieber, Madonna, Burna Boy, BTS, and Shakira performed.
President Trump’s appearance wasn’t popular either. When he and FIFA president Gianni Infantino came onto the field before the trophy ceremony, many fans booed. Trump gave out medals, and most players shook his hand politely. But some players seemed to avoid shaking hands with him.
Argentina’s defender Cristian Romero shook hands with FIFA and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum but didn’t acknowledge Trump. Spain’s forward Borja Iglesias also looked hesitant and shook Trump’s hand without looking at him.
Before the match, Iglesias said: “I don’t want to get in trouble. I hope I can greet him when we’re all happy and this can be over quickly. This isn’t the time to cause controversy. People know how I feel. I’d love to do more, but I don’t have the power to change certain things.”