FIFA Investigating How Salt Bae Celebrated with Lionel Messi at 2022 World Cup Final

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty

World soccer’s governing body FIFA is investigating howSalt Baegained unauthorized access to the 2022 World Cup final pitch and mingled with celebrating players includingLionel Messi.

The 39-year-old former butcher,who gained Internet famefor both his good looks and salting skills, owns numerous restaurants around the world, including in Qatar, and had been a frequent VIP guest of FIFA officials, per the AP.

Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty

Messi, for his part, seemingly wanted no part of any contact with the restaurant owner. Onsocial media, videos from the on-field celebration show Bae trying to touch the iconic Argentinian player’s arm, and Messi brushing him off.

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Bae’s actions have also caught the notice of soccer authorities in the U.S.: The U.S. Open Cup tweeted earlier this week that the restaurateur is no longer welcome at their event in 2023.

source: people.com