Lionel Messi has received a million-dollar offer for the jersey he wore after winning the World Cup on Sunday.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led Argentina to a 4-2 victory over France on penalties on Sunday in what was an extraordinary final.
Argentina were 2 goals up for most of the game, but Kylian Mbappe turned the game around with two quick goals in the dying minutes of the game to push the final into extra time.
And in extra time, Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s third and that would have been the winner but Mbappé scored at the other end once again taking the game to penalties which the South Americans ultimately won thanks to the heroics of Emi Martínez.
And during the trophy ceremony, host country Qatar marked the occasion by presenting Messi with a black and gold tunic which he wore before lifting the trophy. The robe represents royalty, wealth, “chivalry and wisdom” in Arab culture and it is considered an honor to receive the Bisht.
However, there was a huge media uproar with many pundits, mostly English, condemning Qatar for it and suggesting they ‘ruined’ Messi’s moment. But unfair criticism was very limited and most fans, including Argentines, appreciated the gesture and recognized it as a show of respect from the Emir to Messi.
However, a lawyer for Omari opposes Messi keeping the toga. Ahmed Al Barwani, a member of Oman’s parliament, has offered the 35-year-old a large sum of money to guarantee his stay in the Middle East.
He posted on Twitter:
“From the Sultanate of Oman I congratulate you for winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup…
“The Arab bisht, symbol of chivalry and wisdom. I offer you one million dollars (£829,000) in exchange for that bisht.”
In an interview with National News, he even outlined his intentions with the robe. He said:
“I was in the stadium watching that moment live when the emir of Qatar gave the bisht to Messi.
“This moment told the world that we are here, and this is our culture, know it well.
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“It will be displayed to commemorate that proud moment and to help us relive it, and also to remind us that we can (do anything).”
“This tournament was a source of pride and has highlighted important facts about how we do not forget about Palestine and that Arabs are one and united.”
