Gianni Infantino made a beeline for Spain's dressing room to present Luis de la Fuente's squad with an unprecedented prize following their victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final.
Sunday marked the conclusion of the World Cup, with Spain narrowly beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during a final at MetLife Stadium that descended into pandemonium. Spain forward Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in the second half of extra time, hammering home from point-blank range beyond Argentina's Emiliano Martínez.
Argentina, which had been whittled down to 10 players after Enzo Fernández received his marching orders for a second yellow card following a dangerous tackle on Spain's Pau Cubarsi at the conclusion of regulation time, posed virtually no attacking threat in the final. Following the loss, Argentina's Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina decided to start swinging fists at Spain's players, via The Mirror US.
While jubilation followed the mayhem, the trophy presentation was somewhat overshadowed by Donald Trump's intrusion onto the stage as Rodri raised the World Cup trophy above his head in New Jersey, with Infantino attempting to persuade the U.S. President to allow Spain its moment of glory.
The FIFA chief then made his way to the Spanish locker room following the on-field festivities at MetLife Stadium to distribute unprecedented prizes to Rodri and his teammates: Championship rings in the style of those handed out to Super Bowl and NBA Finals winners.
Prior to the World Cup final, FIFA announced it had produced championship rings for the victorious nation, with 30 set to be awarded to the winners.
Infantino was photographed alongside both Rodri and De la Fuente, presenting them with their rings, which the midfielder proudly displayed while standing beside the FIFA president. He also distributed replica World Cup trophies to the Spanish squad.
FIFA confirmed the rings feature an image of the World Cup trophy on one side, with the reverse to be personalized following the final to "reflect the identity of the winning team."
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A total of 2,026 rings have been produced, with 1,996 earmarked for public sale. However, fans will need to shell out $12,000 to get their hands on one.
"One side of the ring proudly features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customized to reflect the identity of the winning team," FIFA stated.
"Each ring will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with its own certificate of authenticity.
"Immediately after the final, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings to commemorate the occasion.
"Each of the 30 rings for the winners will then be customized before being officially presented at a later date, ensuring the perfect lifelong fit for an achievement that will echo through eternity."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
