What is a bisht and why was Messi wearing it at the World Cup?

The emir of Qatar put a bisht on Argentina captain Messi throughout the World Cup closing ceremony.

On the World Cup trophy presentation after Argentina’s win over France within the ultimate on Sunday, Lionel Messi was supplied a bisht, a conventional Arab cloak, to put on by the emir of Qatar.

Messi allowed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to put the gown on his shoulders earlier than taking the World Cup trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and lifting it in entrance of his ecstatic teammates.

What's a bisht?

The bisht is an extended cloak made out of sunshine, typically sheer, materials with trimming made out of actual gold that's worn over a white thobe.

Primarily worn within the Gulf, it's a garment that has been worn for hundreds of years throughout particular events. It's considered as an indication of appreciation and respect and is usually worn by prime officers akin to politicians, sheikhs and different high-status people.

The second Qatar’s emir put the bisht on Messi [Hannah Mckay/Reuters]

What's particular in regards to the bisht?

Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic research on the College of Exeter, informed the dpa information company that the bisht is a proper gown worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their marriage ceremony day, and graduates at commencement ceremonies.

“So solely a choose few individuals would truly put on the bisht,” he mentioned. “They principally honoured him [Messi] by placing it over his shoulders. It’s like a mark of honour, and simply form of a cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance.”

Baig mentioned it's also consultant of Qatar’s nationwide costume – however solely on necessary events.

“And it is a prime event. I imply, there’s in all probability no greater event, so that they put it on him as a mark of honour,” he mentioned.

Baig mentioned he noticed it as “an embrace by Messi of the native tradition”, including that it was “a reasonably cool factor” for Qatar to do and “good considering” on their behalf.

What did the organisers say?

Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, mentioned: “It's a costume for an official event and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi.

“The World Cup had the chance to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim tradition. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.”