Lionel Messi lived probably the greatest night of his career last Sunday when Argentina became World Champions. Argentina faced Kylian Mbappe’s France in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Being deadlocked 3-3 after extra time, the game went to penalty shootouts. Emiliano Martinez’s heroics ensured Argentina’s World Cup title after 36 years.
Although, during Argentina’s celebrations, one incident took place which angered most of the fans. Salt Bae, the internet sensation Turkish butcher, was seen on the pitch after the final. While the Argentinian team was celebrating with their families, the presence of Salt Bae on the pitch puzzled almost everyone. However, the reason why fans got so angry at Salt Bae is that the Turkish butcher was almost harassing Lionel Messi for a picture.
Who is Salt Bae, and why was he heckling Lionel Messi?
Nusret Gokce, who goes by the name of Salt Bae, is a Turkish butcher. He has his own chain of luxury steak houses, named Nusr-Et. He became an Internet sensation in 2017 due to his unique way of cutting a steak and putting salt on it. His technique of putting salt on the steak where he sprinkles the salt onto his forearm and then onto the steak earned him the nickname of Salt Bae.
However, Salt Bae’s recent activities have earned him an infamous reputation. He has been embroiled in a lot of controversies over the past years. There have been multiple allegations against him of robbing his waiters of their tips. He has been also accused of over-pricing and over-charging his customers. In 2021, Salt Bae was hugely criticized after a bill from his restaurant which amounted to over $39,000 dollars was posted by a customer.
💰 – People have expressed their disgust online after spotting a huge service charge at the bottom of a £37,000 bill at Salt Bae’s new London restaurant. pic.twitter.com/9krG0brwTV
— LADbible (@ladbible) October 14, 2021
Quite recently, Salt Bae was scrutinized for joining the Argentina team after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. He was captured clicking photographs with the Argentine players and the World Cup trophy. He was also seen heckling Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi. Here’s a look at fans’ reactions to this incident.
can be seen as a nuisance to players. he should be where is supposed to be at. definitely not on the ground
— Rahuldev A Holla (@ARahuldev) December 20, 2022
It hurts my stomach to watch this.
— Eric (@einthekitchen) December 20, 2022
World Cup once every four years. Messi finally wins it after an 18 year illustrious career to become arguably the greatest player of all time.
Salt Bae: “Look at me I charge over £1000 for a steak, sprinkle some salt down my sweaty elbow and used the money to do this.”
— HELLO! (@1msping) December 20, 2022
The soccer world has not taken this incident kindly. It’s a known FIFA rule that only former World Cup winners and heads of the state can touch the FIFA World Cup trophy. Thus, when Salt Bae was seen holding the World Cup trophy, a lot of soccer fans got angry. Salt Bae’s actions have once again damaged his reputation, as many are claiming that Salt Bae ruined the Argentine team’s celebrations just for the purpose of clicking pictures for his Instagram account.