By Spy Uganda
Lionel Messi has led Argentina to World Cup glory after the most thrilling final in the 92-year history of the tournament.
Argentina took the lead through Messi and Angel Di Maria, only for Kylian Mbappe to score a late brace. Messi restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, but Mbappe again hit back for France, completing his hat-trick and taking the game to a penalty shootout.
Argentina won the shootout 4-2, to claim the World Cup and victory in one of the sport’s all-time great games.
Messi was presented with the trophy by Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
But before he could collect the World Cup and lift it for the first time in his storied career, he was presented with an item of clothing by the Emir.
Messi had the item put around his shoulders and then wore it as he walked over to his Argentina team-mates.
He then wore the item of clothing, known as a bisht, for the trophy lift.
A bisht is an item of clothing that has been worn in the Arab world for thousands of years. It is a traditional men’s cloak.
They are usually worn on special occasions, like weddings and religious festivals.
There is a further meaning to the bisht. They are usually worn by secular officials or clergy. This means it has status as a garment and is tied to royalty, wealth and ceremonial moments. It is the equivalent of wearing black tie in the western world. (www.openflightmaps.org)
