The "Bisht" worn by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Lionel Messi during the World Cup award ceremony after the final won by Argentina against France is causing the world to discuss.
"It's a dress for an official occasion, which is worn for celebrations," Hassan Al Thawadi , secretary general of the World Championship Organizing Committee, explained to BBC Sport.
«This - he adds - was Messi's celebration. The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase our Arab and Muslim culture to the world. It wasn't Qatar, it was a regional celebration. People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and understand that we may not agree on everything, but we can still celebrate together."
But, as mentioned, there is controversy on social media . In fact, many criticize Messi's choice to wear the robe.
First of all for having almost covered and therefore " obscured" the shirt of the national team that won the tournament, in a solemn moment from a sporting point of view. But Messi is also accused of a sort of excessive respect for the emirate , who ended up in the eye of the storm even before the World Cup because he was accused of not respecting civil rights and those of workers.
And many point out that the 10 Argentine is testimonial of Saudi Arabian tourism, as well as one of the stars of the Qatari-owned Paris Saint Germain.
For his part, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad wrote on Twitter that he had "fulfilled our promise to organize an exceptional championship in Arab countries. The tournament has provided an opportunity for the people of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values."
(Unioneonline/lf)
