A black robe worn by Argentina captain Lionel Messi - given to him as a “mark of honour” as he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar - has divided opinion among fans and observers the world over.
The bisht – a thin see-through traditional Arab cloak – was draped over Messi's shoulders by the Emir of Qatar before he joined his euphoric teammates as they celebrated their stunning victory over France. Some viewers and broadcasters, unfamiliar with the garment and its significance, were left baffled but an academic explained that it was Qatar’s way of honouring Messi.
But it also drew howls of derision from fans watching the match at home and abroad. For a while it even got the name "Stevie Nicks" trending strongly alongside the "World Cup" and "ArgFra". Nicks, the Fleetwood Mac singer, was famous for the long flowing robes she would wear on stage while performing some of the band's greatest hits.
But Dr Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, told the PA news agency that the bisht was a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies. “Only a select few people would actually wear the bisht,” he said.
Speaking about Messi wearing the garment, he said: “They basically honoured him by putting it over his shoulders. It’s like a mark of honour, and just kind of a cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance.”
Dr Baig said it was also representative of Qatar’s national dress – but only at important occasions. “And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honour,” he said.
Dr Baig said he saw it as “an embrace by Messi of the local culture”, adding that it was “a pretty cool thing” for Qatar to do and “smart thinking” on their behalf.
But critics thought that Messi looked awkward as he was draped in the robe ahead of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy while FIFA President Gianni Infantino applauded approvingly by him.
They thought the Argentine captain cut an odd figure with his shirt partially obscured while his teammates remained in their iconic light blue and white striped kit. Some felt the bisht was being used as a publicity tool for the Qatari regime. One person on Twitter opined: "Symbolic. A way to stamp culture on what will be one of the most iconic images ever."
Someone else noted: 'Messi finally wins the World Cup and is made to put on a robe to lift the trophy. You just don’t do that.' Some of the comments on the social media platform said it looked like Argentina's celebrations were being taken away from them. One commentator stated: 'It should be a moment for the players, not the host. Grossly indulgent.'
Others, however, dismissed the issue as irrelevant, urging supporters instead to enjoy one of the greatest sporting moments ever. And Dr. Abdallah Marouf from Turkey said: "Culturally, dressing someone a“Bisht” (the robe) is an act of courtesy and high appreciation in Qatar.
"Thus, Messi was highly respected by the Emir of Qatar dressing him the Bisht. Ignorant Western media shall learn about cultures instead of whining as usual!"
The awarding of the trophy followed a sensational match in which Argentina snatched victory from France on penalties after 120 minutes of football that ended in a 3-3 draw.
It is rare but not unknown for a World Cup winner to be handed an item of local clothing during celebrations. Pele was given a Sombrero to pose with following Brazil's victory in Mexico in 1970.
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