
Argentina’s defeat in Sunday’s World Cup final was painful, but two of their players made sure one particular moment from the medal ceremony didn’t go unnoticed.
Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero were caught on camera skipping a handshake with Donald Trump during Argentina’s silver medal presentation.
Both players went on to shake hands with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney standing alongside Trump on the podium, making the snub impossible to miss.
Martinez went further, also refusing to shake hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the ceremony.
Spain won the final 1-0 in extra time to claim their second World Cup title, with Trump and Infantino handing the trophy to Spain captain Rodri.
Violence on the pitch
The defeat appeared to hit Argentina’s squad hard and not everyone kept their emotions in check.
In the moments after the final whistle, midfielder Leandro Paredes launched himself at Spain’s Gavi. Nahuel Molina was also seen appearing to throw a punch at one of the Spain substitutes who ran onto the pitch to join the celebrations.
Messi in tears
The loss was particularly emotional given it marked the end of Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina.
The 39-year-old was seen in tears staring into the crowd after the final whistle, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest careers in football history.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was equally emotional and cut his post-match press conference short, openly questioning his own future in the role.
“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.
“We would have to talk about it. This place is wonderful. I never imagined I’d be here. It breaks my heart. I’m sorry.”