The timing at Monday’s press conference in Helsinki was too perfect. Right after Russian president Vladimir Putin answered a question on cooperative efforts in Syria and whether the ball is “in the Russian court,” he stopped the discussion to present something to President Donald Trump — a soccer ball. The “gift” from Putin turned a metaphor about political positioning into a literal stance on sports, as the world leaders shifted the attention to the World Cup.

Speaking about having the ball in our court in Syria, President Trump has just mentioned that we’ve successfully concluded the World Football Cup. Speaking of the football, actually…”
Putin said, trailing off, stepping away from the podium to pick up a 2018 World Cup soccer ball, according to ABC News.

“Mr. President, I will give this ball to you, and now the ball is in your court.”

The soccer ball from Putin immediately prompted skeptical social media reactions from both lawmakers and the public.