The recently concluded Qatar FIFA World Cup gave us many memories. Lionel Messi lifting his first trophy, Morocco’s dream run, Germany and Belgium crashing out of the group stage, and Iran players and fans protesting, amongst others. Argentina beat France on penalties, and celebrations in the stadium erupted. It was during these celebrations after the match EssentiallySports got its cringe-worthy moment of 2022.

Turkish chef Salt Bae was part of some awkward moments during the celebrations. He was trying to get pictures with Argentina players when they were busy celebrating with other players, their families, and the coaching staff. 

However, when he approached Argentine captain Lionel Messi, the player first seemed to ignore the celebrity chef. But Bae didn’t give up despite being ignored by Messi at first and again stopped the player to have a selfie. He twice grabbed the Argentine, who tried to sidestep. Messi looked bemused and irritated by the act of Bae.

Salt Bae’s antics in FIFA Qatar WC win the ES Cringe-worthy moment of the year 

Turkish chef Salt Bae was on the pitch seen lifting the World Cup trophy, sparking controversy. 

Everyone started reminding the FIFA rules about who can touch the trophy during the celebrations and slammed the chef for his actions. The fans also criticized FIFA for allowing Salt Bae to lift the trophy.

After a backlash from the fans and other celebs, FIFA has acted. The apex soccer body has opened investigations into how the celebrity chef got to the pitch and termed it as undue access. It will be interesting to see what the investigations will lead to.

ALSO READ: “Germany Had Rihanna Hanging Out” – Soccer Fans Drag 9X Grammy Winner as They Question Salt Bae Over FIFA WC Celebrations Alongside Lionel Messi’s Argentina

But one thing is for sure, Salt Bae, ignored twice by Lionel Messi, gave Essentially Sports its cringe-worthy moment of 2022.

ES Awards: Full list of the 2022 awards

Here’s a full list of the rest of the awards:

1. WTF moment of the year: Antonio Brown exposing himself to a woman
2. Heart-breaking announcement/moment of the year: Serena Williams retiring
3. Most-dominant moment of the year: Chris Bumstead winning Mr. Olympia for 4th time in a row
4. Fairytale moment of the year: Lionel Messi lifting World Cup with Argentina
5. Shocking moment of the year: Bubba Wallace punching fellow NASCAR driver
6. Picture-perfect moment of the year: Formula One Miami GP pic of Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Tom Brady, and others
7. Cringe-worthy moment of the year: Salt Bae’s World Cup cringe
8. Most-Controversial moment of the year: Lia Thomas
9. Biggest Disruptive sporting moment of the year: LIV Golf inaugural season
10.  End of an era moment of the year: Vince McMahon
11.  Wildest moment of the year: (80-1) underdog Rich Strike winning the famous Kentucky derby after ranking 16th in the final turn
12. Most viral athlete off-the court: Brittney Griner
13. Impossible moment of the year: Ross Chastain advancing to Championship 4
14. Breakout star of the year: Carlos Alcaraz
15. Unexpected truth-bomb of the year: Cristiano Ronaldo exposing Manchester United’s leadership
16. Saddest moment of the year: Nadal vs Federer holding hands and tearing up
17. Upset of the Year: Hadi Choopan winning Mr. Olympia over Big Ramy
18. Meme-worthy moment of the year: LeBron James interview memes
19. Entertainers of the Year: Paul Brothers
20. Blooper of the Year: Tom Brady retiring for 40 days
21. Underdog story of the year: Leon Edwards KO at UFC 278
22. Comeback of the Year: Minnesota Vikings completing the biggest comeback in NFL history

Let us know your thoughts on the acts of Salt Bae during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations at Lusail Stadium. 

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