Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday presented President Trump with a soccer ball from the World Cup, which concluded Sunday in Russia.
“Speaking about having the ball in our court in Syria, President Trump has just mentioned that we have successfully concluded the World Football Cup. Speaking of the football actually, Mr. President, I will give this ball to you, and now the ball is in your court. All the more that the United States will host the world cup in 2026,” Putin said during the joint press conference of the two world leaders in Helsinki.
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Putin made his comments while answering a question regarding the relationship between Russia and Syria and the military action Moscow has taken in the region.
Trump accepted the soccer ball and said he would give it to his preteen son Barron. The president then proceeded to toss the ball to first lady Melania Trump, who was sitting in the front row.
“Melania, here ya go,” Trump said as he tossed the ball down off the stage.
Trump and Putin met in their first bilateral meeting Monday in Helsinki.
