Lionel Messi was forced to cover up Argentina shirt after win - 'A shame'

Lionel Messi was forced to wear a Qatari robe over his Argentina shirt during FIFA World Cup celebrations.

At this month’s Copa America , Messi ’s Argentina is looking to win a third successive major international tournament in a row having come out on top at the 2021 edition of the tournament as well as the World Cup a year later. But celebrations in Qatar were criticized for their oddly intrusive nature.

Messi scored twice and converted his penalty in the shootout to inspire Argentina to a stirring shootout victory over France following a captivating 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium. The win was monumental for Messi ; the forward had finally clinched the only major honor missing from his collection, while the World Cup is heralded by many as the game’s greatest prize.

READ MORE: Euro 2024 soccer star pictured in hospital for first time since terrifying collision during game
READ MORE: Denmark officially punished for breaking UEFA rules in Euro 2024 match vs England

However, as Messi made his way onto the stage to get his hands on the trophy, the Emir of Qatar coated him in a black robe called a Bisht. The Bisht is a traditional piece of Arabic clothing that is generally worn on special occasions and reserved for high-profile figures in society, such as members of the royal family, politicians, religious scholars, and the wealthy.

Donning the Bisht, Messi was handed the trophy and slowly walked over to his teammates as they celebrated one of the most iconic moments in soccer history. Unfortunately, the robe meant the famous blue-and-white of Argentina was not on full display as Messi celebrated with his teammates.

BBC presenter Gary Lineker lamented how Messi was given the item of clothing during the World Cup trophy presentation. He said: “Amazing scenes, great pictures from above and great pictures from inside the ground as Argentina won the World Cup for the third time.

Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news

“It seems a shame, in a way, that they've covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.” After colleague Alan Shearer joked FIFA president Gianni Infantino desperately wanted Messi to wear the Bisht, Lineker playfully added: “Nobody marked him that tightly during the game!”

However, ex-Argentina defender Pedro Zabaleta was more frustrated with the move to cover Messi in clothing. He said: “Just, why? Why? No reason to do that.”

While the Bisht was draped on Messi for the initial trophy lift, it was soon ditched so he could continue the wild celebrations . A third star was also added to his shirt to mark the country's third World Cup triumph, with Lineker commenting: "Three stars on Messi's shirt I think I spot. And he's taken the little robe off."