US president Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the golden trophy to the Spain national team on 19/7, after they defeated Argentina 1-0 in 120 minutes of play in the World Cup final.
After Infantino stepped off the podium and captain Rodri asked President Trump to leave for team celebration photos, the head of the White House moved to the left, continuing to stand next to the Spain players.
The FIFA president then quickly returned to the US president's side, attempting to signal for Trump to exit the stage. However, Trump did not leave; instead, he stood clapping as the Spain players lifted the championship trophy right beside him.
While the coach and Spain players celebrated on the podium, they appeared unaware of the US president's presence nearby. Trump was eventually asked to step off the stage so the Spain players could take their team photos.
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US president Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino (far right) as the Spain national team lifts the golden trophy. Photo: AFP
This was not the first time Trump appeared during a championship team's celebration. Last year, he also remained on stage when Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
On social media platform X, many users expressed disapproval of the US president's actions. "Trump absolutely refused to leave as the players prepared to lift the cup. Infantino tried his best to invite him elsewhere, truly funny", one user wrote.
Another account commented that "it's no surprise Trump didn't want to leave the stage". "It was interesting that Rodri kept signaling him to move aside. Even Infantino couldn't make him leave", the user added.
Another person posted a video of the incident, stating, "Is the story about Trump real? He wanted to appear right in the middle of the frame, and Rodri asked him to leave."
Another user responded, "that's the clearest definition of being self-centered."
Earlier, Trump and the FIFA president watched the match from the VIP stands, protected by bulletproof glass, alongside US government officials and other guests. During the award ceremony, Trump personally presented medals to the referees and players.
Huyen Le (According to Independent, 9 News)
