Video appears to show Argentina's Cristian Romero snub Trump's handshake at World Cup final

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to snub US President Donald Trump during the FIFA World Cup final medal presentation on Sunday, July 19, bypassing a handshake with the president after his side's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.

Romero, who started at center-back before being substituted in the 70th minute with an apparent injury, was among the Argentina players receiving runners-up medals following Spain's victory at MetLife Stadium.

During the post-match presentation, Trump stood alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as medals were handed out to both finalists. Video footage showed Romero shaking hands with Infantino and Sheinbaum but walking past Trump without acknowledging the US president, prompting widespread discussion on social media.

Cristian Romero's handshake moment draws attention

The brief exchange quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony, with fans sharing clips of Romero appearing to ignore Trump's outstretched hand while continuing down the presentation line.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender did not publicly comment on the incident, and it remains unclear whether the apparent snub was intentional. 

Trump had joined Infantino on the field to present medals to match officials, Argentina's runners-up squad and the victorious Spain team. He later handed the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri before lingering on the podium as the champions prepared to celebrate, eventually stepping aside after Infantino appeared to guide him away. 

The US president's arrival on the field was also met with audible boos from sections of the crowd inside MetLife Stadium. 

Defeat ends Argentina's title defence

The ceremony followed Argentina's disappointing defeat to Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time to secure La Roja's second FIFA World Cup title and end Argentina's hopes of retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.

Romero was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup in 2022 and was again a key figure throughout the 2026 campaign. However, his final ended prematurely after he was forced off with an injury before Spain's win.

The handshake incident added another talking point to a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, which also saw attention focus on Trump's presence during the trophy presentation and the emotional scenes involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi after what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance.