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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Qatar World Cup official explains why Lionel Messi wore robe to lift World Cup trophy

The image of Lionel Messi donning a black bisht while holding the World Cup trophy aloft is an image that will be etched into the footballing history books forever.

As the 35-year-old was greeted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim as part of Argentina's trophy lift, Messi was draped in the men's cloak, which is popular in the Arab world in what is one of the defining images of the first World Cup to be hosted in a Muslim country.

The contest was enthralling, with the Alibiceleste toppling France on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw that played out over 120 minutes. However, some of the post-match discourse was centred around Messi's attire during what was undeniably the biggest moment of an illustrious career.

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