Why did Messi being honoured in Arab tradition draw controversy?

Right before lifting the FIFA World Cup, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani covered Lionel Messi with a black and gold robe called a bisht.

The bisht is a garment usually made using camel hair and goat wool and worn by royalty, dignitaries, and people celebrating various joyous occasions, such as during their wedding day or graduation ceremony.

The Emir of Qatar put the robe on Messi himself, which is seen as one of the biggest honours one can receive in the Arab world. The bisht was put over Messi's Argentina jersey as he lifted his first and La Albiceleste's third World Cup trophy.

Messi was given to wear the robe as a sign of respect shown towards him, and as a celebratory remark. Winning one of the biggest sporting tournaments in the world calls for a celebration of an equal magnitude, and in Qatar, that means getting to put on the bisht. When Qatar's Emir put the robe on Messi, it was to celebrate his and Argentina's achievement in traditional Qatari fashion.

On top of that, December 18 – the day of the final – was also Qatar National Day, celebrated as a national commemoration of Qatar's unification in 1878. To honour Messi in this fashion on a day of such national importance for Qatar hinted that they were only giving Messi what they seemed was the most respectful and honourable thing to do.

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However, there's another side to this story, one that has drawn criticism from many across the globe.

When the Emir put the bisht on Messi, it took many by surprise. As far as they were concerned, not letting the Argentine captain lift the World Cup wearing just Argentina's jersey seemed a little off-putting. Although the robe itself was transparent, it veiled the jersey, which was a concern for many. To those concerned, it was as if Qatar was having its final say on the tournament, and leaving a mark on its victors' celebrations.

The Indian Express went as far as calling it "a coup of sorts" as the robe partially hid Messi's jersey.

Add to that the off-field controversy surrounding this world cup, with strong claims that Qatar winning the hosting rights for the World Cup was due to corruption. Restrictions were put on how western fans would be allowed to behave during the world cup, and a lot has been said of the tension between cultures with the first ever World Cup being hosted in an Arab nation. Messi's last-minute donning of a traditional Arab piece of clothing seemed to many as a way for Qatar to give a final reply to the controversies.

Whether or not Messi was forced to wear the robe is anyone's guess. Of course, it didn't seem he had any issues with it, and why would he? He was about to lift the FIFA World Cup and cement his legacy as the greatest footballer of all time. Whether it was right for Qatar to pull off this stunt at the last minute is a whole different concern, one that's up for further debate.