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Wales Online
Wales Online
World
Catherine Wylie, PA & Shane Jarvis

Robe given to Messi as ‘mark of honour’ leaves some World Cup fans fuming

Lionel Messi World Cup Qatar Argentina Stevie Nicks

A black robe worn by Argentina captain Lionel Messi - given to him as a “mark of honour” as he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar - has divided opinion among fans and observers the world over.

The bisht – a thin see-through traditional Arab cloak – was draped over Messi's shoulders by the Emir of Qatar before he joined his euphoric teammates as they celebrated their stunning victory over France. Some viewers and broadcasters, unfamiliar with the garment and its significance, were left baffled but an academic explained that it was Qatar’s way of honouring Messi.

But it also drew howls of derision from fans watching the match at home and abroad. For a while it even got the name "Stevie Nicks" trending strongly alongside the "World Cup" and "ArgFra". Nicks, the Fleetwood Mac singer, was famous for the long flowing robes she would wear on stage while performing some of the band's greatest hits.

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