‘He is a warrior who achieved this victory for Argentina’
While the black cloak placed over Lionel Messi‘s shoulders after Argentina’s victory over France caused some discussion, the meaning behind the gesture has been explained and it is quite fitting of the star player.
Gary Lineker questioned FIFA’s decision to make Messi wear the bisht – a traditional men’s cloak in the Arab world – during the World Cup trophy presentation – as it covered part of his Argentina shirt, including the national badge.
“Great pictures from above and great pictures from inside the ground as Argentina win the world cup for the third time and first since 1986 they also of course won it in 1978 in their own country,” said the BBC presenter.
“This is a magic moment it’s a shame in a way they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”
https://twitter.com/GD10/status/1604554290902847488
Following a dramatic penalty shootout victory on Sunday, ending Messi’s quest to secure the trophy that has evaded him for so long, the footballer was draped in the cloak by the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, as Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, watched on.
Omar Al Raisi, the founder of Dantani Sports, Sponsorlytix and Arcosoft Gaming later explained the meaning behind the garment on Twitter, writing: “In case you’re wondering, what HH @TamimBinHamad put on Messi? “Its called a ‘Beshth’ in Arabic (البيشت). Members of Royal families wear it, Arabian warriors in the past used to wear it after a victory.
“In general people don’t wear it, unless its a special occasion like a wedding.”
Incase you're wondering, what HH @TamimBinHamad put on Messi?
Its called a 'Beshth' in Arabic (البيشت).
Members of Royal families wear it, Arabian warriors in the past used to wear it after a victory. In general people don't wear it, unless its a special occasion like a wedding. pic.twitter.com/2lxZOmtnvE— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) December 18, 2022
Sorry 6 🐐 pic.twitter.com/wuOyEwf2bT
— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) December 19, 2022
A picture worth a thousand years.
Nothing ruined, everything glorified.
There are countless iconic photos of Messi with the Trophy, without the 'Beshth'. An iconic gesture of Arab culture.
In 100 years, new generation of fans will enjoy learning about the Beshth. pic.twitter.com/Ba17emHuFE— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) December 18, 2022
Everyone angry about this has fallen into the trap of believing that western standards are universal. Celebratory customs are allowed to vary, and opposing something only for it's unfamiliarity is an admission of intolerance.
— Zah-kah-ree-yah (@KamikaZaky) December 18, 2022
I think it's great Messi wore the bisht. first because why not it was an act of hospitality. And second, because finally some honesty. No mucking about, that image tells you who his boss is and what this has all been for. A refreshingly candid moment https://t.co/VAzjbqBThs
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) December 19, 2022
As a result of the Argentinian captain scoring two of the four penalties and helping lead his team to victory, he was honoured with the ‘Beshth’ – “as if to say he is a warrior who has achieved this victory for Argentina,” Al Raisi added.
“Its a great sign of respect and incorporated the Arab culture perfectly,” he wrote.
Posting an image of Messi with the World Cup trophy, Al Raisi added: “A picture worth a thousand years. Nothing ruined, everything glorified.
“There are countless iconic photos of Messi with the Trophy, without the ‘Beshth’. An iconic gesture of Arab culture. In 100 years, new generation of fans will enjoy learning about the Beshth.”
The robe image was also a big payback moment for Qatar’s $220bn investment, The Guardian suggested.
Related links:
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- Gary Lineker slams FIFA for making Lionel Messi wear ‘little robe’
- Emi Martinez celebrates winning golden glove award by humping trophy right in front of FIFA
- Lionel Messi confirms he is the greatest footballer ever as Argentina beat France in the World Cup final
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