Donald Trump suffers embarrassing gaffe as Argentina stars collect losers medals | Football | Sport

President Donald Trump endured an awkward moment after failing to present a World Cup runners-up medal to Argentina‘s Nahuel Molina. Trump, 80, attended his first World Cup match of the North American tournament and assumed his position on the podium for his prominent role in the trophy ceremony. The US President looked on as Spain defeated reigning champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time.

Trump was tasked with distributing the tournament honours and both the winners’ and runners-up medals, alongside the main prize, the World Cup trophy. But Trump appeared to forget to give Molina his silver medal and the defender was forced to walk back and collect it. Trump also intruded upon Spain’s trophy presentation. Similar to his actions at last year’s Club World Cup final, Trump stayed on the presentation platform following the ceremony instead of walking off to let the captain and squad to enjoy their triumph.

Instead of retreating into the background, the president became a central figure, distributing medals before remaining in place amid audible jeers from sections of the crowd.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was even forced to dash across the podium to usher Trump away as he loitered at the platform’s edge.

Unperturbed by the peculiar spectacle, Rodri hoisted the trophy to ignite Spain’s celebrations, with the players seemingly untroubled by Trump’s continued presence. Trump was eventually led away, leaving the newly crowned champions to revel in the moment on their own.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has now claimed both 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,” the head coach said.

“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.

“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.