Torres scored the winning goal in extra time as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium, securing the country's second World Cup title after 2010. The following day, as the squad paraded through the capital on an open-top bus in front of an estimated two million fans, Torres was pictured wearing the cap, a clear play on Trump's own "Make America Great Again" slogan from his 2016 campaign.
The image quickly went viral, with commentators divided over whether Torres intended it as a genuine tribute or a wry dig at the US president, who had attended the final and presented the trophy. The White House's official account had already responded to the image on social media before Trump himself addressed it directly.
"He is a great player. He was wearing essentially a Make America Great Again cap, so it was a nice tribute, and I think he meant that very nicely. We appreciate it," Trump said. He went on to use the moment to reflect on his own administration, adding: "We've made America great. We're the greatest country in the world now."
Similar adaptations of Trump's slogan have appeared among conservative movements in other countries in recent years, something the White House alluded to in its initial reaction to the image, posting that "everyone wants in on the movement."
Torres has not publicly commented on his choice of headwear, and the Spanish football federation has offered no explanation either, leaving his intentions open to interpretation. Spain's political landscape has itself been divided over the incident, with the phrase also associated in Spain with the right-wing Vox party, adding a further layer to the debate over what the 26-year-old was trying to say.
The episode was just one of several talking points from an eventful final. Trump was booed by sections of the MetLife Stadium crowd as he walked out to hand over the trophy, while several Spain players, including Mikel Merino and Víctor Muñoz, were seen imitating one of Trump's signature dance moves during the medal ceremony.