Two Argentina players skip Donald Trump handshake after World Cup final defeat
Donald Trump was giving out the World Cup medals to Argentina and Spain players (FIFA via Getty)

Lisandro Martinez
and Cristian Romero were seen skipping a handshake with United States President Donald Trump during Argentina’s
World Cup
final medal ceremony.
Argentina were beaten in Sunday’s World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
as Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time sealed a 1-0 win for Spain
.
FIFA
president Gianni Infantino had ensured Trump took centre stage for the medal ceremony, while the US President was also tasked with handing Spain captain
Rodri
the World Cup trophy.
But during Argentina’s silver medal ceremony, Martinez opted not to shake hands with either Infantino or Trump, who gave the
Manchester United
centre-back his medal.
Romero, meanwhile, shook hands with Infantino who gave him his World Cup medal but the
Tottenham
defender walked straight past Trump and shook hands with both Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.
En la entrega de las medallas, Cuti Romero y Licha Martínez le negaron el saludo al genocida Donald Trump.
Los dos centrales de la selección nacional, además de dejarlo todo en la cancha, se negaron a saludar al presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump.
pic.twitter.com/qhHKyAPvke
— Agitación (@Agitacion_)
July 19, 2026
Meanwhile, Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, who guided the team to victory at the 2022 World Cup in
Qatar
as well as two Copa America titles, was in tears during his post-match press conference.
‘I feel the need to think because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do something as big as this,’ Scaloni said when asked about his future with the Argentina national team.
Donald Trump stood on the podium during Spain’s World Cup trophy lift (Getty)

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was in tears after his side’s defeat to Spain (Reuters)

‘We would have to talk about it. My place is everyone’s dream place. We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff, the players too, and I think it’s only fair to consider it. This place is wonderful.
‘I never imagined I’d be here. To move forward, a lot of things are needed . Above all, we need to reset , to form a group like this, which is unlikely to ever be formed again. It breaks my heart. I’m sorry.’
Lionel Messi was during Spain’s World Cup trophy celebrations (FIFA via Getty)

Messi, meanwhile, was also in tears
when Spain’s players were celebrating with the World Cup trophy
The match is expected to be Messi’s last in an Argentina shirt at a World Cup.
‘He is 39 years old, it is unbelievable,’ Scaloni said.
‘It was always crystal clear to me that he would play until he chose to stop and that everyone would support him.
‘I hope everyone is proud of him, because he is the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch.’
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