Lionel Messi Wears Traditional Arab Robe During World Cup Trophy Presentation

Lionel Messi wore a traditional Arab robe called a bisht when he lifted the World Cup trophy. The Argentina captain was given the robe by the Emir of Qatar.

Lionel Messi finally got to lift the World Cup trophy in his 18th year as a senior Argentina international.

The image of the 35-year-old lifting the famous trophy in his team's iconic blue and white jersey is one thousands of Argentines have long dreamed of.

But most of those dreams probably did not include Messi also wearing a black bisht.

Messi was dressed in the traditional Arab cloak by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, moments before the trophy was handed over following Sunday's final.

The garment is usually worn on special occasions such as weddings. It is a prestigious statement garment and was given to Messi to honor the Argentina captain.

Lionel Messi pictured being dressed in a traditional Arab bisht before he lifted the World Cup trophy as captain of Argentina :: IMAGO/NurPhoto/Jose Breton

For those asking, the robe Messi was wearing on the podium is a bisht. It's ceremonial rather than royal. It's usually worn by dignitaries at weddings and other formal occasions. pic.twitter.com/Ms8rzwHGcX

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 18, 2022

Messi lifted the trophy for the first time while still wearing the cloak, but he discarded it shortly afterwards.

He was later seen wearing a new Argentina shirt decorated with three stars, to signify that this had been his country's third World Cup triumph.

The Emir of Qatar's decision to dress Messi up divided opinion among spectators.

Messi receiving the royal robe from Qatar. Class act. 🐐 #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar pic.twitter.com/cQbkkx9u5t

— Séamus (@Shadarach) December 18, 2022

Interesting to read the different takes on this. Personally, that moment should be for the winner, not the host. Seemed indulgent to cover the shirt Messi has dreamed of lifting the #WorldCup in. Nothing more to my thoughts than that.

— Lewis Coombes (@LewisCoombes) December 18, 2022

Making Messi wear that robe is absolutely grim. Sums up everything wrong with this World Cup

— Will Martin (@willmartin19) December 18, 2022

Considering FIFA made such a huge fuss about players wearing a 🌈 armband, it's incredulous Lionel Messi was dressed in this robe by Infantino & the Qatar monarch to photobomb the greatest moment of his career. This day belongs only to La Albiceleste #ARG#FIFAWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/QcBBfMbmNJ

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) December 18, 2022

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

— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) December 18, 2022

It is a robe worn by Royalty only, huge honour for Messi to wear one. You would not know about it though. Your Royals are too busy backstabbing each other and talking about it on Netflix series https://t.co/Std2pHix4p

— Santo 🏴 (@invincible_ron) December 18, 2022