It’s an unusual sight: dressed in a slightly transparent black cape, Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy. He was previously put on the robe by the Emir of Qatar. The gesture is not particularly well received by observers.
Lionel Messi’s black robe at the World Cup handover caused a lot of astonishment. Before the 35-year-old lifted the golden trophy after beating France in the final of the World Cup in Qatar (4-2 on penalties), the Argentinian was wrapped in a so-called bischt. Over the traditional sky blue and white kit, Messi wore the slightly see-through black cape with gold trims.
The traditional garment had previously been surprisingly put on by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also helped with the action, which Messi seemed unenthusiastic about.
“You take away a big moment from the player. I didn’t think it was good either. You can do that later in the dressing room,” said former world champion Bastian Schweinsteiger on ARD: “I don’t think Messi himself was happy either. In my opinion, the action was unsuccessful.” Ex-English professional Gary Lineker thought so too on the BBC broadcaster: “In a way, it’s shameful that they covered Messi in his Argentinian shirt.”
The bischt is a noble outer garment that is actually only worn on special occasions over another traditional male garment, primarily in the Arab world. The garment is primarily worn by important people in Qatar on the national holiday – which is actually today.
Longtime Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta commented on the BBC: “Why? Just why? There was no reason to do it.” Even other TV experts couldn’t understand why you couldn’t just let Messi celebrate in his jersey at the greatest moment of his career. “To exploit him there – ouch!” Said ex-national player Tabea Kemme on MagentaTV. Michael Ballack added: “It’s a bit unnerving. But it speaks to his decency that he’s keeping it on.”