US President Donald Trump was booed before making things awkward as he presented the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri after the European champions defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.
Trump was booed as he walked onto the pitch for the postgame trophy ceremony alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and then refused to leave the stage as Spain waited to lift the trophy.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
He was also on the receiving end of some boos when showed on the big screen at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium during the US national anthem before kick off.
Trump watched the final from behind thick glass in a box with Infantino, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as the tournament co-hosts came together.
Fans were frustrated before the game as Trump’s presence led to heightened security and lengthy delays getting into the stadium, somewhat replicating what happened at Madison Square Garden when he attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals last month to watch the New York Knicks.
MORE FROM THE FINAL
WRAP: World Cup final turns ugly in FT disgrace as Messi miracle denied by stunner
MBAPPE VS MESSI: Messi dealt one final blow as Golden Boot farce exposed
‘WHAT THE F*** IS GOING ON?’: World Cup half-time show baffles
‘DISGUSTING BEHAVIOUR’: Punches thrown, throat grabbed in ‘sore loser’ madness
Trump’s relationship with Infantino has been in the spotlight throughout the tournament and it created uproar when the US President admitted to calling the FIFA boss to encourage him to overturn USA striker Folarin Balogun’s red card so that he could play in the co-host’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium.
This time around Trump was not listening to Infantino as he tried to usher Trump off the stage before Spain lifted the trophy.
The 80-year-old would not budge, however.
The tears of a footballing icon | 00:21
He went up to individual players to shake hands and even did his little dance he frequently does at political rallies at one point.
Before Infantino moved him to the side of the Spanish squad, where he remained for the picture that will become iconic in Spain’s history.
It was an improvement from last year’s Club World Cup final at the same venue, however, as Trump stayed front and centre alongside Chelsea captain Reece James during the trophy lift.
Trump also presented the medals to both teams with Argentina’s Cristian Romero snubbing his handshake.
It is customary for the head of state of the host nation along with the FIFA President to present the World Cup trophy to the winning nation.
Infantino did so alongside the Emir of Qatar in four years ago and with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018.
While Queen Elizabeth II famously did so at London’s Wembley Stadium when England triumphed in 1966.
Enzo Fernandez sent off late on! | 00:27