Overview
- During the runners-up medal ceremony at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Argentina defender Cristian Romero accepted a medal from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, shook Infantino’s hand, and then moved past President Trump without offering a handshake.
- The viral clip shows no visible verbal exchange between Romero and Trump and Romero had not publicly explained his action when reports were published.
- Video from the same ceremony shows Trump lingering at the edge of the stage during Spain’s trophy lift and being guided off by Infantino as players celebrated.
- In the days after the final, the White House and Trump posted edited social videos that remove the awkward lingering and celebration moments while FIFA and Spain’s official posts downplay Trump’s presence in central trophy images.
- The episode follows earlier public interactions between Trump and Infantino, including a FIFA Peace Prize and a presidential call about a red card, raising questions about presentation protocol, influence and how institutions manage high-profile political appearances.