Drama has surrounded the choice to decorate Lionel Messi in a standard Arabic gown as he lifted the World Cup trophy that cemented his identify in soccer’s historical past books.
The soccer legend performed a central function as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a frantic 120 minutes of World Cup closing motion which completed 3-3 in Qatar.
Messi scored twice through the sport after which slotted his penalty through the shootout.
The 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain famous person then stepped up after the sport to raise the trophy on behalf of his nation.
But simply earlier than his superb second he was handed an Arabic gown often called a Bisht to put on through the presentation.
Messi wore the gown whereas jubilantly lifting the trophy, with pictures of the second immortalised alongside his achievement.
Watch the world’s finest footballers each week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE protection from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The gown was given out as an indication of respect by Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, nevertheless the gesture didn’t go down effectively with many onlookers.
“Something a little strange about Messi being dressed in Bisht, that black cloak that the emir of Qatar dressed him in before lifting the World Cup,” journalist Tariq Panja wrote.
“Qatar wants this to be its moment as much as it is Messi’s and Argentina’s.”
Journalist Will Martin was in settlement, writing: “Making Messi wear that robe is absolutely grim. Sums up everything wrong with this World Cup.”
“Cannot believe Messi finally wins the World Cup and is made to put on a robe to lift the trophy. You just don’t do that,” creator Si Lloyd wrote.
While Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed known as for the ceremony to be completed once more writing, “can they do the ceremony again now without giving Messi the robe… for goodness sake!”
Football administrator and lawyer Nicola Palios declared it was a “bizarre idea to make Messi wear a black robe to lift the trophy.
“Ruins what should have been an iconic photo by making him look like a Harry Potter extra.
“Surely any player lifting the World Cup wants to do so in his country’s colours?”
However the drama was clearly the furthest factor from the little magician’s thoughts as he was seen absorbing his crowning second in absolute delight for hours after the win.
Messi additionally received the Golden Ball, given to one of the best participant at every World Cup, after he scored seven objectives in whole to guide Argentina to glory.
Two of these got here within the closing, together with his first coming from the penalty spot.
– With The Sun
