Debate rages over Messi’s World Cup robe

Fans and pundits have argued whether Lionel Messi should have been handed a traditional Arab robe before lifting the World Cup trophy Read Full Article at RT.com

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Dec 19, 2022 - 13:00
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Debate rages over Messi’s World Cup robe

The Argentine captain was dressed in a traditional bisht before lifting the trophy

Debate has erupted among football fans and pundits after Lionel Messi was given a traditional Arab robe to wear before he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar. 

The Argentine captain helped his country secure a third title in their history by coming out on top of a dramatic final against France on penalties after the score had finished 3-3 following extra time at the Lusail Stadium. 

But while the final itself was widely regarded as the greatest of all time, the topic of Messi being draped in a traditional Arab robe known as a bisht by the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the podium has proven somewhat more divisive.

“It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations,” explained the secretary general of Qatar's tournament organising committee Hassan Al Thawadi, to BBC Sport.

“This was a celebration of Messi.”

In the BBC studio, however, Messi’s former Argentina teammate and Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta asked “Just why?” while on punditry duties.

“There’s no reason to do that,” he added. 

The host of the British broadcaster’s Qatar 2022 coverage, Gary Lineker, was also critical of the “shame” in covering Messi’s Argentina shirt during a “magic moment.” 

Messi was given the robe before making his way to lift the famous trophy. ©  Dan Mullan / Getty Images

On Twitter, there were similar comments such as: “Cannot believe Messi finally wins the World Cup and is made to put on a robe to lift the trophy. You just don’t do that,” from one journalist.

“I’m by no means losing any sleep over this, but it’s just obvious that players lift the trophy with their shirt on show. Just seemed a bit odd,” he added.

“It spoils the aesthetic. You win a football tournament, the biggest ever, you have your shirt on show, surely? I don’t know what the cultural significance of that robe is, but that’s the way it always is.”