What happened to Cuti Romero, Licha Martínez and the salute to Donald Trump

A controversy erupted after the Argentina national football team's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, centered around two players' interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump during the medal ceremony. A widely shared video suggested that defender Lisandro Martínez had refused to shake hands with Trump, sparking debate online. However, official FIFA footage later clarified that this account was incorrect. The footage showed Martínez did indeed shake hands with Trump before receiving his silver medal for the runner-up finish. Meanwhile, midfielder Cristian "Cuti" Romero opted not to shake Trump’s hand, instead bypassing him to greet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum directly. The incident began circulating on social media platforms, particularly on X, following Argentina’s loss in the final match held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Users, including national deputy Myriam Bregman, claimed that Martínez had left Trump’s hand hanging in the air, suggesting a deliberate refusal to acknowledge the U.S. leader. This interpretation gained traction quickly, fueling discussions and criticism among fans and commentators alike. However, the narrative shifted once the official FIFA broadcast was reviewed, revealing that the initial handshake between Martínez and Trump had taken place. According to the footage, Martínez approached the row of officials, shook hands with Trump, received his medal, and continued along the designated path. The confusion stemmed from a manipulated clip that omitted the initial part of the interaction, creating a misleading impression of Martínez’s actions. Despite this clarification, the moment involving both Martínez and Romero remained a focal point of discussion, especially regarding Romero’s decision to skip Trump entirely. Romero’s choice to bypass Trump and instead greet Sheinbaum drew immediate attention. After receiving his medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he walked past Trump without making eye contact or extending his hand. Instead, he briefly touched the medal while walking and proceeded to greet other dignitaries, including Sheinbaum. This action was captured by spectators and rapidly spread across social media, leading to speculation about its significance. Some interpreted it as a form of silent protest or a symbolic gesture against Trump’s presence at the event. The contrasting behaviors of Martínez and Romero highlighted different approaches within the team toward engaging with political figures. While Martínez followed the formal protocol, Romero chose to deviate, drawing comparisons to previous instances where athletes have made public statements through their actions. The incident underscored how moments in sports can become amplified beyond the game itself, often reflecting broader societal tensions and individual stances. Despite the controversy, the Argentine team’s performance was celebrated by many supporters. Fans gathered at landmarks such as the Obelisco in Buenos Aires to honor the squad for their efforts, even though they fell short of winning the championship. National leaders, including President Javier Milei, praised the team’s achievement, calling it a historic success and emphasizing that Argentina would never surrender in the face of adversity. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of visual media in shaping perceptions. The manipulation of video clips can lead to misunderstandings, especially when context is missing. While the official records confirm the actual sequence of events, the impact of the altered footage has sparked further conversations about the role of social media in interpreting and disseminating information related to high-profile sporting events.