Argentina finally lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy on Sunday, ending a 36-year drought inspired by a mesmerising Lionel Messi performance.
All eyes were on captain Messi as he walked the stage to accept the 18-carat gold trophy, completing his record of winning every major football championship.
After receiving his gold medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani draped the 35-year-old in a black robe known as a bisht.
The South Americans upset France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 tie at the end of extra time, capping off a spectacular tournament conducted in Qatar, a Muslim country.
Messi, who was beaming and wearing the medal with pride, walked to the centre of the stage, flanked by his Argentine teammates, as pyrotechnics and confetti rained down on him as he hoisted the trophy.
The act by Qatar’s Emir, who wore a bisht himself, had some tongues wagging and heads turning, with others claiming it overshadowed Messi and Argentina’s moment.
It was a tournament riddled with political undertones even before it began, beginning with the contentious decision to award Qatar the hosting rights, followed by an outpouring of stories about the treatment of immigrant workers, no alcohol consumption in stadiums on matchdays, and the state’s (lack of) LGBTQ+ rights.
The last move by Qatar’s ruler brought all of the political charges to the forefront, with some accusing the state of usurping the occasion in order to indelibly etch Qatar’s image in football and sporting history books – the final scrub of their sports cleaning effort.
Others, on the other hand, considered the garment as one of the most magnificent presents provided by the Gulf state.
Former Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini described it as a “beautiful gesture” on Twitter.
But what exactly is a bisht, and what does it represent?
The bisht is a traditional black cloak used by males dating back thousands of years, as early as the 5th century, and is commonly worn over a thawb, also known as a top.
It is famously worn by Muslims all throughout the world, not only in Arab countries.
The black cloak is most commonly seen at weddings and Eid, the Islamic festival commemorating the completion of Ramadan’s month-long fast.
It is also worn during Salat-al Jumuah, the Islamic Friday prayer, and Salat-al Janazah, the prayer before a funeral burial.
It is typically worn by imams, monarchs, and other individuals of great position, and it is connected with prestige and monarchy. The bisht is composed of camel’s hair and goat wool and comes in a variety of colours such as black, brown, beige, cream, or grey with gold trimming.
While wearing the black cloak is a big honour, and Messi looked to enjoy it as he gazed passionately into the heavens as it hung over his Argentina shirt, fans will constantly question whether it was the correct timing and occasion, despite the grand gesture.
Main Image: Lionel Messi/ PA
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