At Lusail Stadium, Lionel Messi finally received the World Cup trophy that had escaped him for his whole career after 28 days, 64 games, and 172 goals at Qatar 2022.
Messi slapped hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani before he joined his teammates, who were eagerly awaiting their captain on a stage nearby.
Before presenting the 35-year-old with the trophy, Tamim dressed the Argentina captain in a black and gold bisht, a customary garment used in the area for important occasions and festivities.
Messi danced in the direction of his teammates while wearing new clothing that covered his national shirt, which is pale blue and white. He then raised the trophy above his head.
For some, it was the ideal way to cap off what many people considered to be the greatest World Cup ever.
Others, though, felt it marred the occasion.
On BBC’s live broadcast of the final, former England star and presenter Gary Lineker commented, “Seems a shame in a way that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”
Others viewed it as Qatar’s final attempt to leave its mark on the competition, a criticism of the “sportswashing” that has dominated most of the tournament’s coverage (where critics claimed Qatar used the occasion to cover up its human rights record).
Journalist Tariq Panja of the New York Times tweeted, “Something a little weird about Messi being clothed in Bisht, that black cloak that the emir of Qatar dressed him in before lifting the World Cup.”
As much as it is Messi’s and Argentina’s moment, Qatar wants this to be its as well.
More criticism came from other media, with the British publication The Telegraph initially referring to Messi wearing the bisht as “the odd behaviour that tarnished the greatest moment in World Cup history.”
Later, the story’s headline was amended to read, “Lionel Messi forced to don traditional Arab bisht for World Cup trophy lift.”
Shortly after the championship ceremony, Messi removed the outfit and celebrated with his teammates while donning Argentina’s recognisable jersey.
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), an entity in charge of planning the World Cup in Qatar, made an effort to defend the decision among the criticism.
It is a formal clothing that is also worn for celebrations. This was a Messi celebration, Al Thawadi said to BBC Sport.
“We got the chance to introduce the globe to our Arab and Muslim cultures during the World Cup. This was a regional celebration; it had nothing to do with Qatar.
People from many walks of life were able to attend, take in what was going on, and learn that while we might not always agree on everything, we can still celebrate as a community.
Preconceived ideas
Others expressed their displeasure on social media, claiming that the criticism of the bisht was rooted in ignorance and a misperception of Qatari culture.
They cited it as yet another illustration of the unrelenting criticism the nation has faced since being chosen to host the competition.
Reem Al-Harmi, a writer and columnist, tweeted, “Some are upset because Messi wore a bisht (it was handed to him; a mark of appreciation and respect in the Arab culture).
“However, when racism, Islamophobia, and orientalism were consistently utilised against the World Cup in Qatar, I didn’t see the same amount of passion and outrage.
“Read about the Arab bisht; its significance, and why/when it’s worn, instead of preconceived assumptions & judgmental opinions twisting this lovely and important photo into something that is not.
Giving someone a bisht demonstrates their importance and esteem, and that’s Messi today.
FIFA was contacted by AWN for comment over the choice to use the bisht during the award ceremony.
Messi has not addressed the controversy in the media.
