World Cup’s most BIZARRE moments from Qatar: Cristiano Ronaldo’s snack stash and Lionel Messi’s cape

[ad_1]

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was highlighted by Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi‘s dazzling performances, not to mention Argentina’s thrilling Finals win over France.

Lowlights of the tournament include allegations of human rights violations, including the deaths of migrant workers, not to mention crackdowns on free speech and politically marginalized groups, like gays and women.

But aside from these culturally significant interactions in Qatar, there were other, less-historic, happenings: Salt Bae’s mysterious appearance on the pitch at the Finals, a busty Croatian woman drawing attention away from the matches, and an endless array of bizarre fan behavior.

The following is a review of the tournament’s inexplicable moments, from Messi’s mysterious post-match cape, to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s secret snack stash:

WHY IS SALT BAE ON THE FIELD?

Salt Bae, a Turkish butcher, chef, food entertainer and restaurateur, is more or less famous for sprinkling salt onto steaks, which can cost thousands of dollars.

He’s parlayed his fame into a number of high-profile appearances, including a short cameo on the Showtime drama, Billions.

But he may have reached the top of his celebrity on Sunday, when the Kurdish 39-year-old from Turkey shared an awkward moment with Messi after the penalty shootout.

Footage released on social media showed Salt Bae maneuvering to get close to Messi, putting his hand on the soccer legend’s shoulder and forcing him to reluctantly shake his hand. Messi, appearing confused, tried to continue walk, but Salt Bae wasn’t done, pulling him in for one more handshake, albeit briefly.

World Cup’s most BIZARRE moments from Qatar: Cristiano Ronaldo’s snack stash and Lionel Messi’s cape

Video has shown Lionel Messi (second left) avoiding Salt Bae (grey suit) after the World Cup

Salt Bae, a Turkish butcher, chef, food entertainer and restaurateur, made a surprise cameo on the pitch after Argentina defeated France in Sunday's final

Salt Bae does a quick performance alongside the trophy

Salt Bae, a Turkish butcher, chef, food entertainer and restaurateur, made a surprise cameo on the pitch after Argentina defeated France in Sunday’s final 

ELON MUSK LOCATED NEXT TO JARED KUSHNER

The billionaire Twitter owner made no secret of his presence at Sunday’s Final, posting a self-shot video of the Argentinians’ celebration on his social media platform.

As a result, Twitter users teased Musk for revealing his whereabouts just days after he suspended accounts of journalists for allegedly ‘doxxing’ him.

The Twitter owner on Thursday banned reporters from the Washington Post, CNN, New York Times and other outlets after they reported on his decision to block an account documenting the whereabouts of his private jet. The accounts have since been restored.

‘Is this real-time continuous doxxing?’ one Twitter user tweeted in response to Musk’s video.

‘You should suspend yourself for revealing your location,’ added another.

What Musk was less open about was his company at Sunday’s match, where he was pictured in a luxury box alongside former White House advisor and Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. What’s more, they appeared to be seated in a box belonging to Saudi Arabian royals, according to several reports.

The 41-year-old heir to the real-estate developer Charles Kushner’s fortune had been seen in Qatar throughout the tournament. But when he appeared alongside Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest people, the conspiracy theories practically wrote themselves.

Congressman Eric Swalwell (Democrat-California) pictured Musk and Kushner together on his Twitter page, writing: ‘They say a picture is worth a thousand words.’

In response, Trump’s estranged former attorney Michael Cohen tweeted: ‘More like 2 billion!’

Cohen’s tweet – like many others on Sunday – was referencing the $2 billion Kushner reportedly received from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Many have come to see that investment as a reward for Kushner supporting Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman after he was accused of ordering the death of kingdom critic, Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

What’s more, congressional Democrats are investigating another investment, worth a reported $1.4 billion, that may have originated from the Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund to pay off debt on a Kushner company project in Manhattan.

Musk, too, has connections to the Saudis, who rank as Twitter’s top investor.

‘Elon Musk was at the World Cup with Jared Kushner — the son-in-law of Donald Trump who received a $2 Billion investment from a Saudi Arabian fund led by Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman,’ read a tweet from Dash Dobrofsky. ‘Twitter’s second largest shareholder is a Saudi Arabian Prince. A lot of coincidences here.’

Congressman Eric Swalwell (Democrat-California) pictured Musk and Kushner together on his Twitter page, writing: 'They say a picture is worth a thousand words.' In response, Trump's estranged former attorney Michael Cohen tweeted: 'More like 2 billion!' Cohen's tweet – like many others on Sunday – was referencing the $2 billion Kushner reportedly received from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Many have come to see that investment as a reward for Kushner supporting Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman after he was accused of ordering the death of kingdom critic, Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi

Congressman Eric Swalwell (Democrat-California) pictured Musk and Kushner together on his Twitter page, writing: ‘They say a picture is worth a thousand words.’ In response, Trump’s estranged former attorney Michael Cohen tweeted: ‘More like 2 billion!’ Cohen’s tweet – like many others on Sunday – was referencing the $2 billion Kushner reportedly received from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Many have come to see that investment as a reward for Kushner supporting Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman after he was accused of ordering the death of kingdom critic, Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi

MESSI’S CAPE

A Masters win in Augusta, Georgia is rewarded with a custom-fitted green blazer.

Winning the World Cup in Qatar, on the other hand, will get you a traditional Arab cloak, as Messi found out on Sunday.

Messi donned the black, sheer cape before receiving the World Cup Trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday, drawing many questions from Western social media users.

‘Good to see Messi in his Harry Potter cape,’ tweeted illustrator Graeme Bandeira. ‘He is a wizard after all.’

‘Why’s he got Harry Potter’s cape on?’ asked another fan.

Messi was naturally embraced in Qatar, where he scored seven goals in seven games. He also happens to play for Paris Saint-Germain, a club owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

Messi donned the black, sheer cape before receiving the World Cup Trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday, drawing remarks from Western social media users

Messi donned the black, sheer cape before receiving the World Cup Trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday, drawing remarks from Western social media users

CROATIAN SOCCER FAN DRAWS ATTENTION

Croatian Instagram model Ivana Knoll made news throughout the tournament for her variety of provocative, patriotic ensembles, all of which showed off her cleavage.

This, of course, came in stark contrast to local custom in Qatar, where women traditionally cover their heads with a shayla and their bodies in long, modest black dress called an abayha. In fact, local laws ban many of the outfits Knoll was seen wearing.

Knoll clashed with local custom, to say the least, and rumors soon surfaced that she was under police investigation.

Fortunately she appears to have survived the tournament, unlike the Croatian national team, which made a valiant run through the semifinals.

Croatian Instagram model Ivana Knoll made news throughout the tournament for her variety of provocative, patriotic ensembles, all of which showed off her cleavage

Croatian Instagram model Ivana Knoll made news throughout the tournament for her variety of provocative, patriotic ensembles, all of which showed off her cleavage

Knoll clashed with local custom, to say the least, and rumors soon surfaced that she was under police investigation. Fortunately she appears to have survived the tournament, unlike the Croatian national team, which made a valiant run through the semifinals

Knoll clashed with local custom, to say the least, and rumors soon surfaced that she was under police investigation. Fortunately she appears to have survived the tournament, unlike the Croatian national team, which made a valiant run through the semifinals

‘JESUS, WE’RE ON THE F***ING TELE’

While Knoll expected to draw attention at matches in Qatar, others were surprised to see themselves pictured on the stadium scoreboard.

The best example came during Australia’s opening-match loss to France, when one Socceroos supporter caught himself on the jumbotron.

Instead of making a fun pose or screaming out in celebration, the jersey-clad man appeared to say: ‘Jesus, we’re on the f***ing tele.’

RONALDO’S SECRET SNACK STASH

Cristiano Ronaldo left fans baffled during Portugal’s group-stage win over Ghana after digging around in his shorts, removing an unidentifiable snack, and promptly wolfing it down.

Footage shows the now-former Manchester United forward rooting around in his Nike shorts for about five seconds before devouring something buried within.

‘Can someone please enlighten me and what Ronaldo is eating?’ one Twitter user asked.

Cristiano Ronaldo left fans baffled during Portugal's group-stage win over Ghana after digging around in his shorts, removing an unidentifiable snack, and promptly wolfing it down

Footage shows the now-former Manchester United forward rooting around in his Nike shorts for about five seconds before devouring something buried within

Cristiano Ronaldo left fans baffled during Portugal’s group-stage win over Ghana after digging around in his shorts, removing an unidentifiable snack, and promptly wolfing it down. Footage shows the now-former Manchester United forward rooting around in his Nike shorts for about five seconds before devouring something buried within

WELSH GOES HARD DURING ANTHEM

It had been 64 years since Wales’ last appearance in the World Cup, so when fans had the chance to sing their national anthem in Qatar, they did not hold back.

One woman, later identified as Dwynwen Morgan, gave the best effort, delivering a teary eyed rendition of ‘Old Land of My Fathers’ (‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’) as her reddening face began to match the jersey she was wearing.

See also  Mel B recalls awkward encouter with Prince William

She soon learned that her performance was seen around the world, thanks to cameras at the stadium.

‘I felt a few pings in my pocket during the match but was a bit shocked by the number of notifications and especially their locations,’ Morgan told North Wales Live. ‘This means so much to every one of [the fans] so mine weren’t the only tears in the stadium.’

SENEGALESE FANS WELCOME MORROCAN SUPPORTER

One of the more heart-warming moments of the tournament came when a Moroccan fan was seen surrounded by Senegalese supporters, who were doing a choreographed dance.

Not only did he have the steps down, but he appeared to be embraced by his new friends during Senegal’s 2-1 win over Ecuador in the group stage.

One of the more heart-warming moments of the tournament came when a Moroccan fan was seen surrounded by Senegalese supporters, who were doing a choreographed dance

One of the more heart-warming moments of the tournament came when a Moroccan fan was seen surrounded by Senegalese supporters, who were doing a choreographed dance

In a match between Ecuador and host, Qatar, an Ecuadorian fan was seen giving the 'money' signal with his hand as a group of angry Qatari supporters watched

Eventually one Qatari fan began shushing the Ecuadorian supporter and things looked as though they could get heated, until cooler heads prevailed

In a match between Ecuador and host, Qatar, an Ecuadorian fan was seen giving the ‘money’ signal with his hand as a group of angry Qatari supporters watched. Eventually one Qatari fan began shushing the Ecuadorian supporter and things looked as though they could get heated, until cooler heads prevailed

ECUADORIAN FAN GETS SHUSHED

But not every fan exchange could be as friendly.

In a match between Ecuador and host, Qatar, an Ecuadorian fan was seen giving the ‘money’ signal with his hand as a group of angry Qatari supporters watched. Ostensibly, he was reminding onlookers about allegations that the Qatari delegation secured the 2022 tournament by bribing FIFA officials.

Eventually one Qatari fan began shushing the Ecuadorian supporter and things looked as though they could get heated, until cooler heads prevailed.

Ultimately the Qatari and Ecuadorian fans made up, posting a video of themselves together chitchatting on social media.

THAT’S NOT NEYMAR

No, it wasn’t the Brazilian soccer superstar visiting with fans during an early match in the tournament, but many believed it to be Neymar.

After suffering an ankle injury, Neymar was not on the field for Brazil’s Group G win over Switzerland, so it seemed feasible that it was him shaking hands with fans at one end of the field.

Instead, it turned out to be a Neymar impersonator, who fooled more than a few fans throughout the course of the tournament.

SAUDI FAN IS ALSO A POLAND FAN

Saudi Arabia had a memorable tournament, which included a comeback win over champion Argentina.

One slightly less memorable moment happened in a Group stage game against Poland, when footage surfaced on Twitter showing a Saudi fan removing his replica jersey following a goal by Robert Lewandowski.

Strangely, that fan was wearing a Lewandowski jersey under his Saudi replica, and appeared to have switched allegiances as his team was falling behind.

[ad_2]

Source link