Lionel Messi was wearing a Bisht – a traditional Qatari dress while lifting the FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy beating France in penalties at Lusail Stadium. The 35-year-old led Argentina to their first World Cup win since Diego Maradona won it for them in 1986. 

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The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also won the golden boot for his overall performance in the tournament. It was Argentina’s third FIFA World Cup win – 1978, 1986, and now in 2022. 

Kylian Mbappe of France won the golden boot for scoring the most goals in the tournament. Enzo Fernandez of Argentina won the best young player of the tournament award, while Argentine and Aston Villa goalie Emi ‘Dibu’ Martinez won the golden gloves. 

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Mbappe’s hattrick, however, will also go down in history as one of the best comebacks ever. He became the first ever player to score a hattrick in the final of a FIFA World Cup.

What is Bisht? 

Bisht is a common men’s cloak that has been worn for countless years throughout the Arab world. 

According to legends, it was worn during the lifetime of Jesus by individuals in the Levant, particularly those who lived in the Holy Land, according to ancient Christian and Hebrew artwork. The Me’l is the Bisht’s biblical analogue. 

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Typically, a bisht is worn for status on important occasions like weddings or holidays like Eid. It is typically worn on top of a thawb, kanzu, or tunic by secular officials or clergy, such as tribal chiefs, monarchs, and imams. It is a status item, similar to the black-tie tuxedo in the West, and is connected to riches, religious authority, royalty, and ceremonial occasions.