Snub or oversight: Social media split after Romero doesn't shake Trump's hand

Argentina defender Cristian Romero did not shake US president Donald Trump's hand during the World Cup final medal ceremony at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back walked past Trump without making eye contact or a handshake after collecting his runners-up medal from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Romero did greet Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, but seemingly ignored the US president, who was standing between them in the presentation line.

Footage of the moment spread rapidly on social media, splitting opinion between those who read it as a deliberate snub and those who called it an oversight in a chaotic ceremony.

Spain won their second World Cup, and first since 2010, after Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute. The result denied Argentina back-to-back World Cup wins following their 2022 triumph in Qatar.

Romero had started alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Argentina's defence but was substituted in the 70th minute with what appeared to be an injury. Martinez himself had gone off hurt before half-time.

Trump's evening had already turned sour before the ceremony. He was booed loudly by fans inside MetLife Stadium as he walked onto the pitch alongside Infantino, and he lingered on the podium during Spain's trophy lift until Infantino guided him aside to let the players celebrate.

The reception echoed last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue, when Trump stayed at the centre of Chelsea's celebrations after presenting Reece James with the trophy.