SerpApi.Org
President Donald Trump suffered an embarrassing moment after forgetting to hand over a World Cup silver medal to Argentina’s Nahuel Molina.
Trump, 80, who was humiliated by another key player in front of the cameras, attended his first World Cup game of the North American tournament and took his place on the podium for his big role in the trophy ceremony. The president watched on as Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, thanks to Ferran Torres.
Trump was responsible for handing out the tournament awards and the winners’ and losers’ medals, as well as the Main Prize, the World Cup trophy. It comes as a lip reader exposed FIFA boss Gianni Infantino's desperate plea to Trump that he ignored in a humiliating moment.
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“TRUMP FORGOT TO GIVE MOLINA’S WORLD CUP MEDAL???” one fan reacted on social media. “Molina is so bad that even Trump didn't want to give him the medal and had to stand up and ask him to give it to him,” another reacted.
Trump also gatecrashed Spain’s trophy lift. Much like he did at last year's Club World Cup final, Trump remained on stage after the presentation rather than stepping aside to allow the captain and players to celebrate.
Rather than fading into the background, the president became a focal point, handing out medals before staying put despite loud boos from sections of the crowd.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino even had to hurry across the podium to reach him after Trump lingered at the edge of the stage.
Unbothered by the unusual scene, Rodri lifted the trophy to spark Spain's celebrations, with the players appearing unfazed by Trump's presence.
The president was eventually escorted away, leaving the newly crowned champions to enjoy the moment on their own. And he even humiliated Messi, who was savagely yanked back by Trump in an excruciating moment.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has now won the Euros and the World Cup. “I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better, and set an example as a team and a family – they’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent,” he said.
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“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players. The match should have been decided much earlier ... but this is a World Cup final, and you have to dig deep even against 10 men, and we’re prepared for anything.”
Spain reacts
“Unbelievable. Everything now, I think, is in the perfect moment for us. We are such a golden generation with these young players who give everything for this country and the fans,” Arsenal star Mikel Merino said to ITV.
Match winner Torres said, "It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players. It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner.
"Whilst all finals are tough, when you’re up against [Lionel] Messi, you do get a bit nervous. We played better football.
"I’ve been heavily criticized throughout the World Cup. Thank God, who always gives me the strength to carry on. God gives things to those who deserve them most."
It comes as Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
