SerpApi.Org
Donald Trump was at the centre of several awkward moments during the World Cup final, with footage appearing to show the US president pulling Lionel Messi back during Argentina’s medal ceremony.
Argentina’s World Cup defense ended in disappointment on Sunday as Spain claimed a 1-0 victory in the final at MetLife Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino ensured Trump, who was humiliated by a key player in front of the cameras, played a prominent role in the medal ceremony, with the US president also presenting Spain captain Rodri with the World Cup trophy.
During the presentation of the runners-up medals, Trump and Lionel Messi shared a brief interaction. It comes as Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
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Messi appeared to barely acknowledge Trump during Argentina’s medal ceremony, with footage showing an awkward exchange between the two after the World Cup final.
The Argentina captain kept his interaction with the US president brief before Trump appeared to pull Messi back as the forward attempted to move along the presentation line.
After collecting his silver medal from Trump, the 39-year-old Messi was overcome with emotion. FOX cameras captured the 2022 World Cup winner with tears streaming down his face as he looked out at the celebrating Spanish supporters.
Messi had played a key role in Argentina’s run to the final, scoring eight goals during the tournament and providing the two decisive assists in his nation’s comeback victory over England in the semi-final. However, Spain’s dominant possession and relentless pressure left Argentina struggling to find a way back into the contest.
Messi and Julian Alvarez were left isolated in attack as Argentina’s midfield failed to create consistent opportunities or cope with Spain’s relentless pressing. Messi did not register Argentina’s first shot of the match until the 117th minute of extra time, with his effort blocked by Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.
The defeat meant that the Inter Miami striker became the latest victim of the "Trump curse". The so-called “Trump curse” claims that any team, player or organization publicly supported by the 80-year-old president — or those linked to him — eventually suffers defeat.
In Messi’s case, Trump, alongside his son Barron Trump, had backed Argentina to overcome Spain in the World Cup final, only for La Albiceleste to fall short in New Jersey. In an interview with FOX's Jenny Taft, the 80-year-old stated, "Well, I knew you were going to ask me so I thought about it a lot. I hate to get involved even though poltically it doesn't matter so much.
"I would say that it is hard to bet against Messi. I watched that pass, it was exactly perfect [the pass to Lautaro Martinez to win against England]. But that was perfect, if you had a strike zone, it was exactly where it had to be. I just think it is very hard to bet against Messi, he is great."
