December 22, 2022 : Messi was spotted wearing an abaya during the post-match presentation. Wonder why?
Argentina's impressive performance in Qatar was largely due to Lionel Messi. Even though the journey didn’t begin on a promising note, it surely came to a happy ending as Argentina picked up their pace, did what they do best and emerged victorious as the FIFA World Cup 2022 winners.
On Sunday, Argentina defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win their third World Cup. Both teams tied 3-3 after the normal 90 minutes and 30 seconds of overtime in a closely contested game. Aurélien Tchouaméni failed to keep his shot on target as Argentina won the shootout after Emiliano Martinez of Argentina stopped Kingsley Coman from a 12-yard range.
Read the highlights of the Final match here:
Argentina's successful World Cup campaign in Qatar was led by Lionel Messi, who originally intimated that it would be his final tournament but has now changed his mind. Messi received the Golden Ball for his seven goals, two of which came in the championship game, and three assists throughout the competition.
In a unique occasion, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, gave Messi a robe and helped him put it on before presenting him with the trophy.
Messi was dressed in a bisht robe, which is typically made of goat and camel wool and is only worn on exceptional occasions. The robe is typically worn by royalty and religious authorities, thus Messi, possibly the best footballer of the modern era, who finally hoisted the elusive World Cup trophy felt as one.
The GOAT (greatest of all time) being photographed in the traditional bisht robe and Messi finally adding the one trophy lacking from his magnificent career will be recorded in the history books for years to come.
The Emir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were both there as Messi received the bisht.
Messi only wore the robe for a short time, and he saved its removal for the team photo. He was afterwards observed taking selfies while wearing an Argentina jersey, which included three stars to represent their three World Cup victories.