Lionel Messi and his teammates were on cloud nine after the penalty shootout victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final. The Argentine squad rejoiced in their country’s first World Cup win since 1986. After the preliminary celebrations on the pitch, it was time for the commencement of the trophy ceremony.
Aside from the World Cup trophy, three major awards were handed out to Messi (Golden Ball), Kylian Mbappe (Golden Boot), and Emiliano Martinez (Golden Glove).
Before the World Cup trophy was handed over to him, Messi was also honored with the bisht, a traditional Middle Eastern cloak. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was draped in the garment by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The moment when HH the Amir awarded the World Cup to Lionel #Messi, wearing a Qatari Bisht. #QNA #ArgentinaVsFrance#WorldCupQatar2022 #QATAR2022 #FIFAWorldCup #QNA_Sport pic.twitter.com/gsdUqjUTVv
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 18, 2022
The cloak itself is not an average piece of clothing. It is a very special garment that symbolizes chivalry and wisdom. It has been worn in Arab nations in the Middle East for centuries, albeit only by royalty or other important personalities who hold a high significance in society.
Recently, a member of Oman’s parliament, Ahmed Al Barwani, posted on Twitter, offering $1 million to the Argentine captain in exchange for the bisht that was worn by him during the award ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Lionel Messi’s bisht at World Cup 2022 sparked controversy
Soccer fans indigenous to the Middle East were quick to offer words of praise for the honor that Messi was presented with. However, the sentiment was not shared by all fans.
Onlookers questioned the presence of the bisht at the awards ceremony. Some even went so far as to say that the bisht “ruined an iconic moment.” Later on, after the ‘mystery’ surrounding this Arabian cape was unearthed, most fans did appreciate the token of respect and honor. Although, it never managed to gain much acceptance among fashionistas on social media.
For those asking, the robe Messi was wearing on the podium is a bisht. It’s ceremonial rather than royal. It’s usually worn by dignitaries at weddings and other formal occasions. pic.twitter.com/Ms8rzwHGcX
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 18, 2022
“Was the robe necessary though? Way to ruin an iconic image” wrote another user, who later deleted their tweet. It looks like some were unhappy about Qatar royals’ decision to present Messi with the garment.
#Messi’s Bisht Effect is here. Argentina fans are already embracing the Bisht of the #GOAT𓃵 pic.twitter.com/jReWRNO4H5
— Reem Al-Harmi ¡Felicidades, Argentina! 🇦🇷 (@Reem_AlHarmi) December 20, 2022
Whatever the case, it is certain that the cloak will forever be remembered as a part of the iconic picture of Lionel Messi and his team lifting Argentina‘s third FIFA World Cup. The Argentinian fans quickly caught the bisht fever, and have been trying to recreate the cloak ever since.
Who is Al Barwani? The man who offered $1 million for Messi’s bisht
Ahmed S Al Barwani recently took to Twitter to congratulate Messi and offer him a deal. According to his bio on Twitter, Al Barwani is an Omani Lawyer, Arbitrator, and doctoral researcher. He is also a member of the Omani Parliament and serves as a member of the Omani Committee for Human rights.
Al Barwani offered to buy the bisht that Lionel Messi was honored with at the World Cup, for $1 million. “My friend Messi.. I congratulate you for winning. Prince Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani dazzled me as he wore you the symbol of magnanimity and wisdom. I’m offering you a million dollars for you to give me that. I’m offering you a million dollars to give me that bisht.”
This is what the Omani member of Parliament posted on Twitter in hopes of getting the garment back to the Middle East. Here’s the original tweet.
صديقي ميسي..
من #سلطنة_عمان أبارك لكم فوزكم بـ #كأس_العالم_قطر_2022أبهرني الأمير @TamimBinHamad وهو يُلبسك #البشت_العربي ،رمز الشهامة والحكمة.#ميسي
أعرض عليك مليون دولار أميركي نظير أن تعطيني ذلك #البشت#Messi𓃵
I’m offering you a million $ to give me that bisht@TeamMessi pic.twitter.com/45BlVdl6Fh— أحـمَـد الـبـَروانـي (@AhmedSAlbarwani) December 20, 2022
“I was at the stadium watching that moment live when the Emir of Qatar gave Messi the bisht. This moment told the world that were are here, and this is our culture, please know it well. This tournament was a source of pride and has highlighted important facts about how we didn’t forget about Palestine and that Arabs are one and united,” he added while speaking to a media house, The National.
It would certainly make for a great souvenir to always look at and remember the first such grand event of its kind on Arab Soil.