Someone has revealed the meaning behind the 'cloak' that was placed on Lionel Messi after Argentina's Qatar World Cup win.
Yesterday (18 December), a nail-biting final took place in the Qatar 2022 World Cup between Argentina and France. Both teams were left in a three-three tie and so the game went into overtime and to penalties.
After Argentina's score of 4-2 in the penalty shootout, team captain Lionel Messi - who broke two World Cup records in the same minute against France - was handed the trophy, but also an item of fabric which was placed around his shoulders.
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A Twitter user has since explained what the 'cloak' is and its significance.
Omar Al Raisi, the founder of Dantani Sports, Sponsorlytix and Arcosoft Gaming took to Twitter to reveal the meaning behind the piece of fabric.
He wrote: "In case you're wondering, what HH @TamimBinHamad put on Messi?
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"Its called a 'Beshth' in Arabic (البيشت). Members of Royal families wear it, Arabian warriors in the past used to wear it after a victory.
"In general people don't wear it, unless its a special occasion like a wedding."
As a result of the Argentinian captain scoring two of the four penalties and helping lead his team to victory, he was honoured with the 'Beshth' - 'as if to say he is a warrior who has achieved this victory for Argentina,' Al Raisi explains.
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"Its a great sign of respect and incorporated the Arab culture perfectly," he continues.
Posting an image of Messi with the World Cup trophy, Al Raisi resolved: "A picture worth a thousand years. Nothing ruined, everything glorified.
"There are countless iconic photos of Messi with the Trophy, without the 'Beshth'. An iconic gesture of Arab culture.
In 100 years, new generation of fans will enjoy learning about the Beshth."
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Many users have flooded to the post in celebration of the custom and of Messi's win and to defend Qatar's decision to place the Beshth on Messi after some users called it out as the country 'putting their culture on everyone else'.
"The exact same thing they are crying about," one said.
Another wrote: "Made the celebration unique. Loved it."
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"All time respect to Qatar, so far the best World Cup or athlecism tournament in history. Respect each other's culture too," another said.
A fourth commented: "Many will not understand the significance or the level of respect to Messi that gesture means in the Arab world. They are sadly blinded by their racism and hate."
A final resolved: "Everyone angry about this has fallen into the trap of believing that western standards are universal. Celebratory customs are allowed to vary, and opposing something only for it's unfamiliarity is an admission of intolerance."
Topics: Sport, World Cup, Football, Lionel Messi, World News
Poppy Bilderbeck