Watch: Lionel Messi brutally blanks Salt Bae, chef slammed for gatecrashing Argentina’s FIFA World Cup celebrations

Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the only trophy left for his cabinet, as Argentina defeated France to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The victory marked a talismanic performance for Messi through the tournament as Argentina bounced back from their opening defeat vs Saudi Arabia. After Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning penalty for Argentina, Lionel Messi and Co. were left emotional and were joined by their family members in their celebrations. But the Argentine captain had an annoying moment, which has been noticed by football fans around the world.

Somehow, Instagram celebrity chef Salt Bae managed to enter the pitch and got up close and personal with the Argentine players. He also got a selfie with Messi, but cameras captured the uncomfortable moment as the 35-year-old seemed visibly annoyed. Salt Bae was seen twice trying to get Messi’s attention, but was brutally blanked. But his persistent haggling eventually led Messi to take a selfie with him and he looked irritated.

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Here is the video of Messi ignoring Salt Bae:

Football fans also lashed out at the celebrity chef for invading the privacy of the players, while they were celebrating. He also managed to touch the World Cup trophy, which is against the rules. FIFA states that only a select group of people can touch the trophy, which includes the winners and heads of state. Since the incident, many videos have gone viral of the chef leaving Angel Di Maria and Lisandro Martinez uncomfortable, and then snatching the trophy from Cristian Romero. He was also captured biting Franco Armani’s gold medal.

Here are the videos:

Reacting to Salt Bae’s antics, one fan wrote on Twitter, “Salt Bae harassing the GOAT for clout at the most important moment in his life. Look at Messi’a face”.

“Who let Saltbae out on the pitch? Saw a bunch of photos of him HOLDING the World Cup trophy, and even a picture of him biting on a medal. Atleast Messi knew not to give that guy trying to make THEIR moment about HIM any attention. Desperately grabbing Messi”, another fan added.

In a thrilling finale, Argentina first took the lead in the 23rd-minute with Messi converting a penalty after Angel Di Maria was fouled in the French box. Then a quick counter in the 36th-minute made it 2-0, as Alexis MacAllister assisted Di Maria. With Argentina edging closer to 90-minutes, Kylian Mbappe came to France’s rescue and levelled proceedings within 97 seconds. In the 80th-minute, he scored a penalty after Kolo Muani was brought down in the Argentine box. Then a stunning volley in the 81st-minute made it 2-2. In extra-time, it looked like Messi got the winner for Argentina, making it 3-2. But Mbappe struck once again, scoring from a penalty to make it 3-3. In the shootout, Emiliano Martinez reigned supreme with stunning saves to block Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman’s efforts. Montiel converted the winning penalty as Argentina grabbed a 4-2 shootout victory.