Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero SNUBS Donald Trump after collecting World Cup runners-up medal
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41'
Yellow card Lisandro MARTINEZ (Argentina) is booked by
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52'
Yellow card Leandro PAREDES (Argentina) is booked by
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82'
Yellow card Enzo FERNANDEZ (Argentina) is booked by
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90'+2'
Yellow card Cristian ROMERO (Argentina) is booked by
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90'+3'
Red card Enzo FERNANDEZ (Argentina) is booked for
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105'
Yellow card Lionel SCALONI (Argentina) is booked by
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106'
Goal Ferran TORRES (Spain) scores!!
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Yellow card Alexis MAC ALLISTER (Argentina) is booked
Spain squad
- Selected
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8 Fabian RUIZ Midfielder
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10 Dani OLMO Forward
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12 Pedro PORRO Defender
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14 Aymeric LAPORTE Defender
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15 Alex BAENA Midfielder
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16 RODRI C Midfielder
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19 Lamine YAMAL Forward
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21 Mikel OYARZABAL Forward
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22 Pau CUBARSI Defender
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23 Unai SIMON Goalkeeper
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24 Marc CUCURELLA Defender
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1 David RAYA Goalkeeper
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2 Marc PUBILL Defender
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3 Alex GRIMALDO Defender
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4 Eric GARCIA Defender
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5 Marcos LLORENTE Defender
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6 Mikel MERINO Midfielder
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7 Ferran TORRES Forward
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9 GAVI Midfielder
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11 Yeremy PINO Forward
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13 Joan GARCIA Goalkeeper
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17 Nico WILLIAMS Forward
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18 Martin ZUBIMENDI Midfielder
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20 PEDRI Midfielder
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25 Victor MUNOZ Forward
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26 Borja IGLESIAS Forward
Argentina squad
- Selected
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI C Forward
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to snub Donald Trump while collecting his runners-up medal after the World Cup final, in which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. The moment added to a chaotic and controversial finale to the tournament, with Trump's presence on the podium already drawing criticism after he reportedly ignored calls from FIFA president Gianni Infantino to leave the stage during Spain's trophy celebrations.
The final itself was marred by ugly scenes, with Argentina and Spain players clashing after the full-time whistle and Argentina's squad later turning their backs during Spain's trophy lift. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional in his post-match press conference, while captain Lionel Messi was left in tears as his World Cup career ended in heartbreak following the defeat.
In short
- Cristian Romero appeared to snub Donald Trump at the medal ceremony
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the World Cup final
- The final was overshadowed by player clashes and Trump's podium controversy
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Athletes represent not only their nations but also their own convictions, and many feel entitled to express political opposition to figures they view as objectionable, particularly at global events with worldwide audiences. If players hold strong objections to a political leader's policies or conduct, declining to acknowledge them or participate in ceremonial gestures represents legitimate peaceful protest rooted in individual conscience and personal principle.
The case against
International sporting ceremonies exist primarily to celebrate athletic achievement and foster global unity above factional interests. Introducing political gestures, regardless of intent, compromises this unifying purpose and diverts attention from sport itself. Professional standards require athletes to conduct themselves with dignity at official moments, and organised refusals to greet officials or guests breach the respect expected of those representing their nations on the world stage.
Explained simply
The FIFA World Cup is football's most prestigious international tournament, held every four years with countries competing for the trophy. Argentina is one of the world's most successful football nations with enormous national passion for the sport, making World Cup success deeply important to the country.
Argentina reached this year's final against Spain, where Ferran Torres scored in extra time to give Spain victory. The squad included Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who would receive his runners-up medal alongside teammates including captain Lionel Messi. This result carried particular weight given Argentina's football heritage and the deep cultural importance of World Cup success to the nation.
The tournament's conclusion was marked by tension and controversy both during and after the match. Donald Trump, the former American president, was present on the medal podium, an unusual presence that prompted criticism regarding his role in the proceedings. Argentina's players reacted with visible emotion to their defeat, with post-match scenes showing heated exchanges and disappointment.
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