Why was Lionel Messi wearing a robe during the World Cup winners ceremony?

Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Lionel Messi lifted the iconic trophy while wearing a traditional robe.

During the presentation ceremony, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani placed a black and gold robe on Messi.

This is called a bisht - a traditional cloak that has been worn in the Arab world for thousands of years.

This isn't an everyday piece of clothing, as a bisht is worn for special occasions like a wedding, while royal family members and the wealthy adorn it as a status symbol.

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"The bisht has been the choice of formal wear for politicians, religious scholars and high-ranking individuals in Arabian Gulf countries, Iraq and countries north of Saudi Arabia," according to Arab News.

Lionel Messi of Argentina was presented with a traditional robe by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al ThaniPhoto by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

"This traditional flowing cloak is meant to distinguish those who wear it. People say no cloth can provide the distinction of a hand-tailored bisht. This is why the art of bisht tailoring is a skill handed down from generation to generation."

The action-packed final at the Lusail Stadium saw Messi's side go 2-0 up, before France came back to draw the game in dramatic fashion. The game finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

In extra time, Messi put Argentina ahead once again but Mbappé responded 10 minutes later to secure a hat-trick and make the score 3-3. A penalty shootout would decide the match, where Argentina ultimately won 4-2, winning the World Cup for the third time and making them world champions for the first time since 1986.

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