Argentina’s Messi lifts WC trophy in Arab cloak after defeating France

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was covered in a bisht, a traditional Arab cloak, when he lifted the World Cup after defeating France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final.

On the podium, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the 35-year-old with the robe.

Dr. Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Exeter, explained that the Bisht was given to honor the champions. He said the bisht is specially-worn as a formal robe by selected persons.

“Only a select few people would wear the Bisht,” Baig said. “They honored him by putting it over his shoulders.”

Baig explained that the bisht is the Qatari national dress for important occasions. Baig described the Argentinian captain wearing it as “an embrace” of the local culture.

However, Messi’s appearance led to “mixed” reactions from both fans and fellow footballers. Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta said the bisht was unnecessary and the committee had “no reason” to give it to Messi at the Lusail Stadium.

“Just why? No reason to do that,” Zabaleta said.

Former England striker Gary Lineker described the bisht as “a shame” because it had covered Messi’s Argentina kit.

“It seems a shame, in a way, that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt,” Lineker said.

Pundit Alan Shearer, meanwhile, noted how Infantino gave “close attention” before handing the trophy to the bisht-covered Messi.

“I didn’t think Infantino was going to let him go either,” Shearer said.

While captaining La Albiceleste in the final, Messi scored twice, including a penalty kick during the first half. The game ended with a 3-3 draw, forcing a penalty shootout. Argentina claimed the World Cup after netting the ball four times against France’s two.

In Argentina’s third World Cup triumph, Messi claimed the Golden Ball award.