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Rabat – What appeared to be an innocent, well-intended gesture from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad was widely criticized by Western media, as he gave Lionel Messi a traditional Arab cloak, known as bisht, to put on as he lifted the World Cup trophy.
Argentina clinched the World Cup title after beating France 4-2 through penalties after a 3-3 tie on Sunday. While fans across the world were celebrating this joyous occasion, international media shifted their focus to the bisht, claiming that Messi was forced to wear it and that it covered his Argentinian jersey.
UK’s Mirror news outlet said that “Lionel Messi was forced to cover his Argentina shirt with a black and gold robe as he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar.” Likewise, English sports broadcaster Gary Lineker said: “It seems a shame, in a way, that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”
British newspaper the Daily Mail said that “Selfish Qatar World Cup hosts forced Messi to cover up his iconic shirt with Arabic robe,” accusing the organizers of stealing the player’s spotlight.
In addition, football journalist at ESPN Mark Odgen took to Twitter to say: “Lionel Messi has spent his entire career waiting to lift the World Cup. When he gets to do it, all the pics are ruined by somebody making him wear a cape that looks like he’s about to have a haircut.”
Meanwhile, Fox Sports described the Emir’s gesture as a “bizarre” move that “ruined” Messi’s iconic moment.
Honoring Messi
Others however highlighted that the Emir’s gesture is Arabs’ way of honoring and welcoming guests by dressing them in traditional clothes, especially since the robe locally indicates elevated prestige.
Sky Sports quoted lecturer in Islamic studies Mustapha Baig as saying that “only a select few people would actually wear the bisht … They basically hounoured him (Messi) by putting it over his shoulders.”
Baig explained that the gesture signifies “cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance,” highlighting the harmony and unity that the garment symbolized.
Palestinian professor Abdallah Marouf explained on Twitter that “culturally, dressing someone [in] a Bisht is an act of courtesy & high appreciation in Qatar … Thus, Messi was highly respected by the Emir of Qatar dressing him the Bisht.”
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Marouf stressed, “Ignorant Western media shall learn about cultures instead of whining as usual!”
Ghanian radio and TV presenter Lexis Bill commended the Emir’s gesture, saying that “Qatar impressively introduced the world to so many aspects of their culture.” He added that it was a “sign of respect, he’s a warrior who won for his country Argentina.”
Some social media recalled the moment former Brazilian football player Pele wore a Mexican Sombrero after winning the World Cup in 1970, which nobody seemed to have an issue with.
“Now that all the Western media figures are crying that the King of Qatar put a “bisht” over Messi, remember that Pele put on a sombrero when he won in Mexico,” said a Twitter user.
Even before the Qatar World Cup kicked off, the gulf country was targeted by a Western media-led smear campaign, suggesting that Qatar would not deliver a quality tournament. In addition, players from several Arab football teams were victims of shockingly racist remarks.
