Bizarre moment Lionel Messi is dressed in traditional Arabic robe by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Emir of Qatar ahead of World Cup trophy lift
Lionel Messi endured an awkward moment after Argentina’s World Cup win on Sunday as he was draped in a robe ahead of the trophy lift.
The robe, a bisht traditionally worn for special or ceremonial occasions such as Weddings or religious festivals, was placed on Messi by the Emir of Qatar as FIFA President Gianni Infantino applauded heartily beside him.
Argentina’s captain then cut an odd figure as he lifted the World Cup with his shirt partially obscured by a long black robe while his teammates remained in just their playing kit.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina have won the World Cup after beating France in Qatar
The Argentine captain was draped in a traditional Arabic bisht during the celebrations
He later removed the robe and was seen celebrating the victory in an Argentina shirt with three stars on it, one for each World Cup the nation has now one.
The bizarre moment followed a thrilling final that saw Messi’s side edge past France on penalties after an end-to-end 120 minutes.
Didier Deschamps’ side appeared to be out of contention at half time as they trailed 2-0 thanks to goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria, but fought back late on thanks to two goals in as any minutes from Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina were on top again when Messi scored again in injury time, but Mbappe’s late penalty kept the game alive.
It also made the French star the first man to score a hattrick in a World Cup final sine Geoff Hurst in 1966, but he still ended up on the losing side thanks to an excellent display from Emiliano Martinez in the Argentine goal during the penalty shootout.
For many fans, Messi’s World Cup triumph has put an end to the debate over who the greatest footballer of all time is, as he has now lifted the one trophy that always eluded him.
It meant his Argentina shirt was partially obscured as he lifted the World Cup trophy
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