All about 'bisht'—the cape that Messi wore while lifting the World cup trophy

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18 had everything—drama, late goals, a hat-trick, a penalty shootout, and yes, the moment that most of us were waiting for—Lionel Messi finally lifting the trophy, that one piece of silverware that had eluded him his entire career. 

If you were living under a rock and have absolutely no idea about what happened, the final between Argentina and France ended 3-3 after extra time. Messi, scored twice and tucked away his spot-kick in the shootout to help his team win the World Cup since 1986.

As the football legend made his way to the podium, he was presented with an item of clothing by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, making his way to lift the trophy given by Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. Messi then wrapped the piece of clothing around his shoulders and walked over to his Argentine teammates to celebrate their win.

What followed was social media and most of us wondering what was he wearing. We have the answer. 

The robe that Messi was wearing on the podium is called a bisht. Worn in the Arab world for thousands of years, it’s a traditional men’s cloak made of camel hair and goat wool that’s worn by dignitaries, and officials at weddings, religious festivals, and formal occasions. The bisht’s status, as a garment, is tied to royalty, wealth, and moments of celebration. History tells us that it was given to Arab warriors after a victory in battle. 

And Lionel Messi, at 35, won the greatest battle of them all to confirm himself as the king of football and inarguably the greatest of all time. 

It was an iconic moment that will live forever in World Cup history and Middle East imagery. And much to no one’s surprise, many social media users expressed the pride and joy they felt seeing the moment.

 

 

 

Having etched his name into football royalty, nothing but the bisht for Messi!