- Argentina triumphed at Qatar 2022
- Inspired by talismanic captain
- Iconic images beamed across the globe
WHAT HAPPENED? The legendary Argentina international helped his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, and got his hands on the most prestigious of prizes following a thrilling final victory over France that required a penalty shootout in order to determine a winner. Ahmed Al Barwani, a lawyer and member of parliament in Oman, has presented seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi with an offer that he hopes will see the famous garment remain in the Middle East.
WHAT THEY SAID: Al Barwani has said in a Twitter post: “From the Sultanate of Oman I congratulate you for winning the World Cup Qatar 2022 … the Arabic bisht, a symbol of chivalry and wisdom. I'm offering you $1 million in return for that bisht.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Al Barwani added to The National on the bisht, which was presented to Messi by Sheikh Tamim, the Emir of Qatar, prior to Argentina toasting their first World Cup win since 1986: “I was at the stadium watching that moment live when the Emir of Qatar gave Messi the bisht. This moment told the world that were are here, and this is our culture, please know it well. This tournament was a source of pride and has highlighted important facts about how we didn’t forget about Palestine and that Arabs are one and united.”
IN TWO PHOTOS:
GettyWHAT NEXT? The bisht – which is a long cloak worn on special occasions or during celebrations in the Middle East – would not be worn again if Messi agreed to part with it, as Al Barwani went on to say: “It will be displayed to commemorate that moment of pride, and to help us relive it, and to also remind us that we can [do anything].”