Barron Trump quietly stole the spotlight following the FIFA World Cup final after he was photographed sharing a warm exchange with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, moments after his father, Donald Trump, became the centre of an awkward on-field moment.
The 20-year-old made a rare public appearance alongside his parents, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim their second FIFA World Cup title.
While much of the attention fell on the President's unexpected role in Spain's trophy celebrations, Barron appeared relaxed backstage as he smiled and chatted with Infantino following the medal ceremony.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesThe towering First Son, dressed in a navy suit with a bright red tie matching his father's, was seen laughing as the FIFA president pointed towards him while Donald looked on nearby.
Earlier in the afternoon, Donald joined Infantino on the pitch to present medals and individual awards before handing the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri.
© dpa/picture alliance via Getty IHowever, when Spain's jubilant squad gathered for the traditional trophy lift, the President unexpectedly remained on stage alongside the players.
As confetti cannons exploded around the celebrating team, Trump stood applauding just feet away from the players while Infantino appeared to encourage him to move aside before ultimately laughing off the moment.
© dpa/picture alliance via Getty IThe unusual scene quickly spread across social media, with many viewers surprised to see the President remain in the team's official celebration photographs.
Trump's appearance on the pitch came after loud boos echoed around MetLife Stadium as he and Infantino walked onto the field before the presentation ceremony.
The President also presented silver medals to Argentina's players following their heartbreaking defeat, including captain Lionel Messi, who was making what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance.
© AFP via Getty ImagesOne viral moment showed Argentina defender Cristian Romero collecting his runners-up medal from Infantino before walking straight past Trump without acknowledging him.
Trump also presented Spain's individual award winners, with Pau Cubarsí collecting the Young Player of the Tournament prize, Unai Simón receiving the Golden Glove and captain Rodri claiming the Golden Ball after leading his country to victory.
The ceremony carried an extra layer of intrigue given Trump's recent criticism of Spain during a United Nations summit earlier this month, when he questioned the country's NATO spending.
© Getty ImagesFollowing Sunday's final, however, the President appeared to soften his stance while speaking aboard Air Force One.
"I did have issues, and I still do," Trump said. "But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today."
Before kick-off, Donald and Melania watched the match from a private suite alongside Gianni Infantino, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesMelania looked effortlessly chic in an all-white ensemble paired with a patriotic bomber jacket featuring red, white and blue striped detailing on the sleeves. During Jennifer Hudson's rendition of the US national anthem, the First Lady stood with her hand over her heart while the President saluted.
After the match, Barron's friendly interaction with Infantino provided a lighter moment following the headline-making trophy presentation, with the rarely seen First Son appearing relaxed and smiling as celebrations continued behind the scenes.
