Far from a 'shame', Lionel Messi's bisht moment was 'a mark of honour' 

The bisht is a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies.

Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani dresses Argentina's Lionel Messi with traditional Arab bisht ahead of the trophy presentation.

WHEN The Emir, Sheikh Tamim placed a black and gold bisht – a traditional item of clothing worn in the region for special events and celebrations – on Lionel Messi before the Argentina legend was presented with the World Cup,  most watchers did a double take.

Messi did not wear the attire for long, but long enough for some commentators to wonder had it spoiled the 35-year-old's moment of glory, and whether it was an act of propaganda by Qatari rulers.