Gary Lineker and Pablo Zabaleta had been astounded by the sight of Lionel Messi, resplendent in a sheer black gown, triumphantly hoisting the World Cup aloft.
Argentina captain Messi scored twice within the dramatic 3-3 draw with France earlier than his facet triumphed on penalties to lastly win soccer’s final prize at age 35.
At the trophy presentation, he was provided a bisht, a standard Arab cloak, to put on by the emir of Qatar.
Messi allowed the emir to put the gown round his shoulders earlier than taking the trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and lifting it in entrance of his ecstatic teammates.
BBC presenter Lineker felt the choice spoiled what ought to have been a “magic moment.”
The former England striker stated: “This is a magic moment. It seems a shame that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”
Ex-Argentina defender Zabaleta agreed, saying on BBC One: “Just why? No reason to do that.”
FIFA has been requested to remark by the PA news company.
The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, wrote on Twitter: “I congratulate the Argentine nationwide crew for successful the Qatar World Cup 2022, and the French nationwide crew … and I thank all of the groups for his or her excellent play, and the followers who enthusiastically inspired them.
“In conclusion, we have fulfilled our promise to organize an exceptional championship from the Arab countries, which provided an opportunity for the peoples of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values.”
Dr. Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic Studies on the University of Exeter, advised PA that the bisht is a proper gown worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their marriage ceremony day and graduates at commencement ceremonies.
“So only a select few people would wear the best,” he stated.
Baig stated about Messi sporting the garment: “They honored him by placing it over his shoulders.
“It’s like a mark of honor and just kind of a cultural welcoming and acceptance.”
Baig stated it’s also consultant of Qatar’s nationwide gown – however solely on vital events.
“And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honor,” he stated.
Baig stated he noticed it as “an embrace by Messi of the local culture,” including that it was “a pretty cool thing” for Qatar to do and “smart thinking” on their behalf.
