Argentina and PSG superstar Lionel Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy last Sunday, having fired his nation to a victory over France in what’s been vaunted as the greatest final ever.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The Argentinian was also named the Player of the Tournament, so he definitely did not leave Qatar emptyhanded. Among his classy souvenirs should be a Middle Eastern robe called a bisht. The diminutive star was honored with the piece of clothing after his victory on the world’s grandest stage, with the host nation presenting the player considered to be the GOAT with a black and gold robe as part of the trophy presentation ceremony.
A bisht denotes wealth and royalty in the Middle East and, given that Qatar was the first Muslim nation to host the prestigious competition, they went all out.
Messi, though, has since been offered $1 million from an Omani attorney who wants to take the garb off his hands, or body rather. The lawyer, Ahmed Al Barwani, is also a parliamentary representative in Oman. He has taken to Twitter to make Messi an offer the attacker just might consider.
“From the Sultanate of Oman I congratulate you for winning the World Cup Qatar 2022,” he wrote. “The Arabic bisht, a symbol of chivalry and wisdom. I’m offering you a million dollars (£829,000) in return for that bisht.”
Ahmed was at the Lusail Stadium when Messi was crowned world champion, as well as what’s now become a very expensive robe.
“I was at the stadium watching that moment live when the Emir of Qatar gave Messi the bisht,” he said to The National. “This moment told the world that we are here, and this is our culture, please know it well.
“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).”
Al Barwani, 41, has also told said publication he’s open to negotiating if Messi wants more than $1M.
