Rodri is receiving praise in the Spanish media for his boldness in confronting United States President Donald Trump as the team celebrated their World Cup final victory over Argentina.
Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time was the decisive factor in a match that was both scrappy and contentious, during which Argentina was reduced to ten players following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal for a second yellow card.
Spain demonstrated superior performance in New Jersey, controlling 65 percent of the possession, while Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez set a record for the most saves in a men’s World Cup final, achieving 11 stops.
La Roja’s triumph marks the nation’s second World Cup victory, following their win in 2010, and comes just two years after their Euro 2024 success under the management of Luis de la Fuente.
After a remarkable comeback to defeat England in the semi-finals, Argentina, the defending champions, attempted to unsettle their Spanish rivals, resulting in a total of six yellow cards issued during the match.
The animosity continued even after the final whistle, as Leandro Paredes received a straight red card, and Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was seen striking Spanish captain Rodri, which ignited a mass brawl between both teams.
Shortly thereafter, Nicolas Otamendi seemed to accuse Rodri and the rest of Spain’s jubilant squad of exerting influence over referee Slavko Vincic throughout the match.
However, the tension and animosity were quickly forgotten as Rodri and his teammates gathered on the podium to lift the prestigious trophy at MetLife Stadium.
However, the animosity and resentment were quickly set aside as Rodri and his compatriots assembled on the podium to raise the prestigious trophy at MetLife Stadium.
Similar to his actions following Chelsea’s Club World Cup final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Trump – likely recognizing a photo opportunity – declined to vacate the stage and was observed standing uncomfortably next to the team after presenting the award to Rodri.
Both Rodri and FIFA president Gianni Infantino made efforts to guide Trump away, with the Manchester City midfielder having to postpone the trophy lift until the 80-year-old understood the situation – which he ultimately did after some gentle coaxing.
Just moments prior, Argentine players Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero were seen bypassing handshakes with Trump while receiving their runners-up medals.
“Kudos to the captain of the Spanish national team who maintained his position and confronted Donald Trump before leaving the photo,” said Spanish presenter Dani Garrido on Cadena SER’s Carrusel Deportivo program.
“Only after confirming he was out of the frame did he raise the trophy.
“That demonstrates significant character. Well done to Rodri, it’s no trivial matter.
“We often see individuals in photos who do not belong there, and he remained until the very end, until Trump exited the frame, because he wanted to be included in the picture.
“And once he departed, he lifted the World Cup.”
