Messi is making headlines on and off the pitch.
Video footage of Lionel Messi trying his best to ignore internet sensation Salt Bae at the World Cup has gone viral.
Messi finally ended his wait to win the World Cup, scoring twice and converting his penalty as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties.
After the game the Argentina players, and celebrity figures, celebrated on the pitch at the Lusail Stadium as Argentina secured their first World Cup crown since 1986.
Among those on the pitch was the Turkish chef, who was seen putting his hand on his shoulder and forcing him to shake his hand, before trying to pull him back once again.
https://twitter.com/zekedabolina/status/1604555751980007424
Messi however didn't seem as keen to be involved in the interaction with the 39-year-old, real name Nusret Gokce, while many fans questioned why he was allowed on the pitch in the first place.
One person tweeted: "Even Messi knows salt bae is a hack."
Another person wrote: "Salt Bae harassing the GOAT for clout at the most important moment in his life. Look at Messi’s face."
https://twitter.com/HeydonProwse/status/1604825900394192897
A third added: "Salt Bae pestering Messi has to be the perfect symbol for all the awful off-field s**t hovering around and poisoning anything good about this World Cup. Dismal little character."
https://twitter.com/T_Daley/status/1604587504534839296
"Messi told Salt Bae no twice while he's trying to hug his family, guy chased and grabbed him again. What a prick. Only time I saw Messi angry in the last hour."
https://twitter.com/iambillary/status/1604555405497348096
Messi also vowed to continue his international career after he was asked questions about his future following World Cup success.
He said: "I enjoy being in the national team and want to continue by experiencing a few more games as a world champion.
"Obviously I wanted to cap my career with this and I can't ask for anything more."
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