Qatar World Cup official explains Messi wearing robe to lift World Cup trophy

The image of Lionel Messi donning a black bisht while holding the World Cup trophy aloft is an image that will be etched into the footballing history books forever.

As the 35-year-old was greeted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim as part of Argentina's trophy lift, Messi was draped in the men's cloak, which is popular in the Arab world in what is one of the defining images of the first World Cup to be hosted in a Muslim country.

The contest was enthralling, with the Alibiceleste toppling France on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw that played out over 120 minutes. However, some of the post-match discourse was centred around Messi's attire during what was undeniably the biggest moment of an illustrious career.

Some have deemed it a fitting tribute to arguably the greatest player of all-time, while others have viewed it as a disrespectful attempt to weigh-in on a moment that should have been solely Messi's. Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of Qatar's tournament organising committee, has since issued an explanation behind the decision to drap Messi in a bisht and insisted it was a gesture done with affection.

"It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations," he told BBC Sport. "This was a celebration of Messi.

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"The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.

"People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together."

Sheikh Tamim echoed a similar sentiment after the final, taking to Twitter to claim how Qatar had completed their mission of hosting a tournament that portrays the nation positively.

He wrote: "We have fulfilled our promise to organise an exceptional championship from the Arab countries.

"It provided an opportunity for the peoples of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values."

Messi was at his brilliant best during the contest, netting twice either side of Angel Di Maria's strike.

The Argentine's Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe was hellbent on stealing the show, bagging a hat-trick but fate would have it that it was Messi's moment, his most long-awaited triumph that proves his glorious powers have not waned just yet.