Free Classified Ads Articles Lionel Messi forced to cover Argentina shirt to lift World Cup trophy as Gary Lineker ragesLionel Messi forced to cover Argentina shirt to lift World Cup trophy as Gary Lineker rages
Lionel Messi forced to cover Argentina shirt to lift World Cup trophy as Gary Lineker rages
Lionel Messi was forced to cover his Argentina shirt with a black and gold robe as he lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Messi was the hero as he scored twice and converted his penalty in a dramatic shoot-out win over France after a 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium. It marked a dream end to his World Cup career as he added the only major honour missing from his CV in historic scenes in Qatar.
But, as Messi finally made his way up to the stage to collect the trophy, he was given a black robe by the Emir of Qatar. He put on the item of clothing as BBC commentator Guy Mowbray declared it "the night the true king of football is coronated".
Messi was then handed the trophy and slowly walked over to his teammates as they celebrated one of the most iconic moments in football history. But the robe meant Messi's blue and white Argentina shirt was not on full display.
And presenter Gary Lineker was unhappy that he was given the item of clothing during the World Cup trophy presentation. He said: "Amazing scenes, great pictures from above and great pictures from inside the ground as Argentina win the World Cup for the third time.
"It seems a shame, in a way, that they've covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt," he added.
Ex-Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta replied: "Just, why? Why? No reason to do that." Alan Shearer joked: "I didn't think Infantino was going to let him go either," as Lineker added: "Nobody marked him that tightly during the game!"
The bisht is a traditional piece of clothing in the Arab world that has been worn on special occasions for generations and is usually reserved for high-profile figures in society such as members of the royal family, politicians, religious scholars and wealthy individuals.
After the bisht was placed on him for the initial trophy lift, it was soon ditched by Messi as he continued the celebration. A third star was then added to his Argentina shirt to mark their third World Cup triumph.
"Three stars on Messi's shirt I think I spot," Lineker said. "And he's taken the little robe off."
Elsewhere, Gary Neville was amongst those running out of superlatives for Messi after the game as he raved about his success on ITV Sport.
"He should be centre of attention," Neville said. "It feels right that Messi has won the World Cup.
"Destiny was there, he’s contributed enormous amounts throughout this tournament and his career. He’s lit up every single game he’s played in, if you’re watching Messi live you are truly blessed.
"Argentina, their passion, fight, spirit, nastiness till the end was absolutely amazing. That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life."
