Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to deliberately avoid shaking hands with Donald Trump during the medal ceremony at the 2026 World Cup final. The incident happened after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the president was part of the official presentation party.
Cristian Romero appears to snub Donald Trump’s handshake
Cristian Romero walked past Donald Trump without engaging, even as he shook hands with those standing on either side of the president. Footage showed Romero greeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino and then Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, who flanked Trump during the runners-up medal presentation. The president stood there, but the Tottenham centre-back moved along the line without making contact or acknowledging him.
Romero had started the final alongside Lisandro Martínez at the heart of Argentina’s defence. He was substituted in the 70th minute with what appeared to be an injury. His defensive partner, Martinez, had already been forced off towards the end of the first half. Despite his early exit, Romero still made headlines for the post-match exchange that never happened.
Spain secured their second World Cup win after Ferran Torres smashed home a 106th-minute winner. The match, described as largely dire, remained goalless until extra time before the Barcelona forward broke Argentine hearts. It mirrored Spain’s 2010 success and denied Argentina back-to-back titles after their triumph in Qatar four years earlier.
Donald Trump’s attendance at MetLife Stadium got an audibly negative reaction from the crowd. He walked onto the pitch alongside Infantino to loud boos and jeers. The ambient crowd noise, measured at approximately 78 decibels, reportedly jumped to 84 decibels when the booing intensified. Before the ceremony, Trump shook hands with several guests, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund governor and Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The president later inserted himself into Spain’s trophy celebrations, positioning himself near the team for the initial lift. Infantino then subtly attempted to move him away from the scene, as seen on live coverage.
