Picture Credit: Twitter
Argentinian skipper Lionel Messi etched his name in the history books on Sunday evening when he lifted the FIFA World Cup after beating France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final in Qatar. While Messi made instrumental contribution in the game by scoring twice during 90-minute game, and then in penalty shootout, he was adjudged 'Player of the Tournament' for scoring seven goals and three assists and was handed Golden Ball.
As Messi headed towards lifting the prestigious trophy, the Argentinian skipper was asked to wear a black robe by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. As the video went viral on internet, many football fans around the world were puzzled about the robe and what it meant. Notably, the robe is known as ‘Beshth’ which is a traditional piece of clothing in the Arab world and that has been worn for thousands of years.
According to Arab News, the Beshth has been the choice of formal wear of politicians, religious scholars and high-ranking individuals in Arabian Gulf countries. “This traditional flowing cloak is meant to distinguish those who wear it. No cloth can provide the distinction of a hand-tailored Beshth. This is why the art of Beshth tailoring is a skill handed down from generation to generation,” read Arab News report.
Meanwhile, former English striker Gary Lineker was unhappy with the clothing offered to Lionel Messi during the presentation. “Amazing scenes, great pictures from above and great pictures from inside the ground as Argentina win the World Cup for the first time. It seems a shame, in a way, that they have covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt,” he tweeted.
