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.
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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.
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.
‘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.’
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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