Spain star praised for ‘standing up’ to Donald Trump during World Cup trophy lift

Rodri is being lauded in the Spanish media for ‘standing up’ to United States President Donald Trump as the side celebrated their World Cup final victory over Argentina.

Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal proved the difference in a scrappy and bad-tempered contest, in which Argentina were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Spain were much the better team in New Jersey, enjoying 65 per cent of the possession as Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez broke the record for the most stops in a men’s World Cup final with 11 saves.

La Roja’s win is the nation’s second on the global stage – after victory in 2010 – and comes just two years after their Euro 2024 triumph under Luis de la Fuente.

After their stunning fightback to eliminate England in the semi-finals, Argentina, the holders, tried their best to get under the skin of their Spanish opposition and were shown a total of six yellow cards across the contest.

And the ill feeling extended beyond the final whistle as Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was pictured punching Spanish captain Rodri to spark a mass brawl involved both sets of players.

Soon after, Nicolas Otamendi appeared to accuse Rodri and the rest of Spain’s jubilant squad of influencing referee Slavko Vincic throughout the encounter.

But the hostility and bitterness was soon swept aside as Rodri and his fellow countryman gathered on the podium to lift the coveted trophy at MetLife Stadium.

Just as he had done after Chelsea’s Club World Cup final defeat of Paris Saint-Germain, Trump refused to leave the stage and was seen standing awkwardly beside the squad after handing over the prize over to Rodri.

Rodri and FIFA president Gianni Infantino both attempted to shepherd Trump away, before the Manchester City midfielder then waited for as long as he could for the 80-year-old to get the message – which he eventually did after some gentle persuading.

‘Bravo to the captain of the Spanish national team who stood his ground and stood up to Donald Trump leaving the photo,’ Spanish presenter Dani Garrido said on Cadena Ser’s Carrusel Deportivo programme.

‘Only when he confirmed he was out of frame did he lift the trophy

‘That takes a lot of personality. Bravo to Rodri, it’s no joke.

‘We see people in photos who shouldn’t be there, and he stayed until the very end, until Trump stepped out of the frame, because he wanted to be in the picture.

‘And when he left, he lifted the World Cup.’

‘Spain national team captain Rodri “gently” sends Trump – who is trying to get into the frame for a photo during the championship celebration—out of the shot,’ one fan wrote on X.

‘Long live the captain!’

Another said: ‘No surprise Trump didn’t want to leave the stage.

‘Love how Rodri trying to shoo him off. Even Infantino couldn’t get him off!’

A third joked: ‘Rodri has controlled the pace of the match to the point of scaring off Trump. Everything calculated.’

Speaking shortly after the trophy lift, Rodri thanked Spain’s fans for their support across the tournament after what had been a difficult 12 months for him personally following knee surgery.

‘Individual titles are secondary for me. These past two years have been tough, a time of growth and self-belief,’ he told reporters.

‘I’ve been able to unleash my full potential, given my physical condition. I’ve performed at a high level progressively, and I thank you all for your support

‘Everything I’m going through doesn’t make much sense. I try to do the best I can.

‘I hit rock bottom at one of the toughest points in my career, and I managed to pull myself back up. There’s someone helping me from above.’

Despite Argentina’s questionable tactics, Rodri made sure to applaud Lionel Scaloni’s squad on their ‘incredible achievement’ of reaching back-to-back World Cup finals.

‘It’s true they didn’t create many chances, but it was difficult for us to hurt them,’ he added.

‘They’re a team that speaks for itself; they’ve made history in their own way, with the Copa America, with the World Cup, reaching another final. Incredible achievement.

‘For me, the feat we accomplished today is beyond words. The most difficult World Cup to win, and this group of lads has done it.’

After a magnificent campaign, Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon came away with the Golden Glove, while central defender Pau Cubarsi was named as the best young player.

France superstar Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice after finishing as top scorer with ten goals to his name.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.