At Qatar 2022, Lionel Messi finally took home the World Cup, and images of the Argentina captain raising the illustrious trophy were broadcast to billions of people around the world.
Images of Messi lifting the trophy will become as iconic as the man himself, but there is one detail that has sparked curiosity: what was he wearing while celebrating with his exultant teammates?
When Messi collected the trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he was encouraged by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to put on a black robe before leading Argentina’s celebrations.
Messi was then captured in his crowning moment wearing the robe, covering the white and light blue iconic Argentine jersey, but he soon took it off as the celebrations spilled around the stadium.
What does the black robe represent and why did he have it on?
What was Lionel Messi wearing during the trophy ceremony?
Messi was seen wearing a bisht, a traditional men's cloak used during celebrations in some parts of the Arab world.
It is a garment that has been worn for generations on important occasions, primarily in the Gulf. Top officials, including politicians, sheikhs, and other high-status people, frequently wear it as a mark of gratitude and respect.
It is not the first time a player has been handed an item of local clothing after a final. Brazilian footballer Pele received a sombrero during the on-field celebrations at the Mexico City World Cup in 1970.
Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, said: “It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi.
“The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.”
