President Trump “refused to leave the stage for Spain’s World Cup trophy lift” amid “awkward scenes” with FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the conclusion of the World Cup final Sunday at N.Y. N.J. Stadium. Trump and Infantino had “jointly handed over the trophy” to Spain MF Rodri, but “just like he did when Chelsea won the Club World Cup last year, Trump stayed in view of the cameras for the celebrations and even found time to do his signature dance." As he “stayed on the edge of the stage alongside the players, Infantino jogged across to urge” Trump “to step away.” But Trump “ignored Infantino’s instructions” (London TELEGRAPH, 7/20).
Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter “first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off.” Trump was “briefly shown on the video screens at the stadium” after the U.S. national anthem was played. There were “scattered boos from some in the crowd but nothing like the hostile reception he has received at other sporting events during his presidency.” However, when Trump and Infantino came on to the field for the presentation after Spain clinched victory, “boos rang out around the stadium” (London GUARDIAN, 7/19).
Trump was asked for his World Cup final prediction during a Sunday pre-match interview with Fox’s Jenny Taft, to which he responded, “I hate to get involved, even though politically it doesn’t matter so much. The head of Argentina is a friend of mine, he’s done a terrific job. But I would say that it’s hard to bet against [Argentina F Lionel] Messi” (MEDIAITE, 7/19).
