World Cup: Salt Bae Snubbed by Lionel Messi, Slammed by Fans After Breaking FIFA Trophy Rules
(Photo : Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Salt Bae was among the notable personalities who wanted to congratulate Lionel Messi and his teammates for winning the World Cup title. His antics, though, infuriated football fans.

Lionel Messi further cemented his position as the greatest football player of all time following Argentina's historic World Cup victory against France on Sunday.

In the thrilling final match of this year's World Cup, Argentina took the lead when Messi scored from the penalty spot, and Angel di Maria extended their lead by capping off an excellent team effort.

However, France rallied and tied the score with a few seconds remaining thanks to two goals from Kylian Mbappe, the second of which was an exquisite volley, forcing extra time, according to Mirror.

In the 118th minute, Mbappe scored his hat-trick to equalize after Messi's second gave Argentina the lead again. But Gonzalo Montiel's goal helped Lionel Scaloni's team escape their rivals in the penalty shootout, and they won 4-2 in the final.

Many individuals wanted to celebrate with Lionel Messi in his winning moment. As the celebrations on the field went on, the 35-year-old was joined by his teammates, his family, and his peers.

Lionel Messi finally added the coveted World Cup title to his impressive résumé. Hence, there were also a ton of VIPs who wanted to congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.

After the trophy ceremony, Lionel Messi was approached by one of them, renowned chef Salt Bae. But in a video, per Clutch Points, it seems that the GOAT didn't care for him, although the Argentinian superstar athlete ultimately posed for a snapshot.

However, Salt Bae also uploaded a photograph of the World Cup trophy on social media, drawing criticism from football supporters. After the game ended, the Turkish chef was permitted to go onto the field, and he seemed to join the Argentina players in celebrating Lionel Messi's first World Cup victory.

Fans Bash Salt Bae for Holding World Cup Trophy

After the championship celebrations, Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, stepped onto the field with several Argentina players, held the World Cup trophy, and posed for many pictures with it for the photographers. He even nibbled through a medal awarded to the winners.

It is well known that only a small number of people are permitted to touch the trophy, and Salt Bae is obviously not one of them.

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Social media users blasted Salt Bae's actions. One even questioned why the Turkish restaurateur was permitted to take possession of the prestigious honor, saying, "I thought only world champions could touch the Cup?"

Daily Mail reported that according to the FIFA website, the trophy's "current design dates back to 1974. As one of the most recognized sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the Fifa World Cup and heads of state."

A Case of Special Treatment?

Salt Bae was seen on the field on Sunday night with an official FIFA ID, but the world soccer organization has not yet provided an explanation.

FIFA President Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino's connection with Gokce is well-documented; during the tournament, Infantino visited Gokce at his restaurant in Qatar.

They may be open to accusations of preferential treatment for persons close to their Swiss-born FIFA president if there is any indication that FIFA gave Gokce formal accreditation.

Salt Bae, a moniker derived from the unique way in which the chef salts the meat served at his high-end restaurants, has long attracted the attention of football's greatest names.

Related Article: World Cup: LeBron James, Trae Young, NBA Stars Hail Lionel Messi as the GOAT After Argentina's Win vs. France

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