Qatar defend making Lionel Messi wear Arab robe before lifting World Cup trophy
Qatar officials have defended the decision to adorn Lionel Messi in a traditional Arab robe before he lifted the World Cup trophy.
Messi – regarded as one of the best players in history – finally got his hands on the World Cup as Argentina beat France in one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s history on Sunday.
Paris-Saint Germain forward Messi scored twice at the Lusail Stadium but Kylian Mbappe’s sensational hat-trick sent the 2022 final to penalties.
France had fought back from 2-0 down as they attempted to retain the World Cup, but their quest ended in heartbreak as Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
Messi’s first and only World Cup triumph will be remembered as one of the iconic moments in the history of the competition but FIFA and Qatar have been accused of trying to overshadow his special moment during the trophy ceremony.
The 35-year-old shook hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim on the stage and was adorned in a black bisht – a traditional men’s cloak popular in the Arab world – before lifting the trophy.
Former England striker Gary Lineker was among those to question the move, saying it was ‘a shame’ that Messi’s Argentina shirt was covered during the historic moment.
But Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of Qatar’s tournament organising committee, told BBC Sport: ‘It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi.
‘The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.
‘People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together.’
Sheikh Tamim added on Twitter: ‘We have fulfilled our promise to organise an exceptional championship from the Arab countries.
‘It provided an opportunity for the peoples of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values.’
While Messi was already set to go down as one of the best players in history, the World Cup win is the crowning glory of his remarkable career.
Reacting to Argentina’s first World Cup triumph since 1986, Messi said: ‘So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it…
‘Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us.
‘We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim to.
‘The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians… We did it! Champions of the world!’
Messi also dismissed speculation he would retire from international football after the World Cup, although he confirmed he would not feature at the next tournament in 2026.
‘No, I’m not going to retire from the national team,’ the 35-year-old added. ‘I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt.
‘As I’ve said before, this is my last World Cup game. They [the fans in Argentina] should wait for us. We’re coming home to celebrate with them.’
