To others, it was one last attempt for Qatar to stamp its mark on the tournament – a criticism of the “sportswashing” (where critics accused Qatar of using the occasion to paper over its human rights record) that has underpinned much of the coverage of the tournament. However, I didn’t see the same level of anger and outrage when racism, Islamophobia, and orientalism was constantly used against the World Cup in Qatar.

Others on social media were outraged by the criticism of the bisht, saying it was steeped in ignorance and misunderstanding of Qatar’s culture. The moment caused quite a stir in the BBC studio with the decision to put Messi in a Bisht leaving them all confused, with Pablo Zabaleta, who played 58 times for Argentina, parctilarly bemused. With Gary Lineker bringing up the topic, Zabaleta who simply replied, "Why, just why? No reason to do that." Our goal is to inspire dreamers to live to their full potential: to be the best they can be, on and off the field. Bringing your "A" game shouldn't stop after you play the best game of your life. Bring that passion and hard work to every area of your life - always strive to be the best version of yourself, and good things will happen.Keep reading list of 4 items list 1 of 4 Photos: Messi and Argentina lift World Cup after win over France list 2 of 4 France fans hail Mbappe’s dazzling World Cup final performance list 3 of 4 Messi says he will not retire from Argentinian national team list 4 of 4 Tears of relief and joy as Messi lifts World Cup for Argentina end of list What is a bisht?

And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honour,” he said. Amid the criticism, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), an organization charged with organizing the World Cup, tried to explain the reasons behind the bisht. Some are mad because Messi wore a bisht (it was gifted to him; a symbol of appreciation and respect in the Arab culture),” writer and columnist Reem Al-Harmi tweeted. It later changed the headline of the story to “Lionel Messi made to wear traditional Arab bisht for World Cup trophy lift.” Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Exeter, told the dpa news agency that the bisht is a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies.TOPSHOT - Argentina's captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi (R) holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy following the trophy ceremony after Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images) Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images Seems a shame in a way that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt,” said former England international and presenter Gary Lineker on BBC’s live coverage of the final. Sheikh Tamim placed a bisht on Messi during the trophy presentation. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images