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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.
Robert Summerscales|
Lionel Messi Wears Traditional Arab Robe During World Cup Trophy Presentation
Lionel Messi Wears Traditional Arab Robe During World Cup Trophy Presentation

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.

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.

Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.

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