What is a bisht and why was Messi wearing one to lift the World Cup trophy?

The traditional Arab cloak was draped over the Argentinian footballer's shoulders as he prepared to lift the trophy in Qatar

It's finally his. Getty Images

Argentina's captain and hero Lionel Messi celebrates with his family after winning the World Cup. AP Photo

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove Award. AP Photo

Argentina's Lisandro Martinez and his loved ones cherish the moment. Reuters

Former Argentina player Sergio Aguero celebrates with the team. PA

Messi also picked up the Best Player Award. EPA

Messi received the award from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Fifa president Gianni Infantino, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, right, were also on stage. EPA

German Pezzella gets his hands on football's biggest prize. Getty Images

Angel Di Maria, centre, was heroic for Argentina in the final. Getty Images

Argentina players celebrate Gonzalo Montiel's World Cup-winning penalty. Getty Images

Lionel Messi scored two goals and secured his first World Cup title. Getty Images

A penalty shoot-out has to be one of sport's cruelest moments. Getty Images

It is Argentina's third World Cup triumph. Getty Images

Tearful players collapsed on the pitch in celebrations. AP Photo

The South Americans won 4-2 on penalties, after it finished 3-3 in extra time. Getty Images

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi embrace at the final whistle. Reuters

Heartbreak for the holders at Lusail Stadium. PA

Montiel celebrates scoring the winning goal. PA

Some can't watch, others can. AP Photo

Argentina dramatically beat France in the World Cup final on Sunday night, making the South American country, and its captain Lionel Messi, the Fifa champions.

Following celebrations on the pitch, the team gathered on a podium, excitedly preparing to lift the trophy.

As Messi made his way to collect the trophy, he was greeted by Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. Already wearing his gold medal, Messi stood proudly as a bisht, the ceremonial robe, was wrapped over him.

What is a bisht?

A bisht is a long cloak traditionally worn over a thobe or kandura at special occasions or celebrations in Middle Eastern countries.

The garments are typically black, but also come in white and brown, and are made from a light, often sheer, material with gold trimming. Traditionally, they are worn at times of celebration, for weddings, Eid and significant festivals. Historically, they were a winter garment, reserved for keeping the wearer warm on colder nights.

In 2017, Qatari YouTuber Hamad Al Amari, known as The Qatari Guy, explained how to wear a bisht in a video offering "bite-sized cultural Qatari tips".

"The bisht comes open with a sleeve on either side," Al Amari says. He then advises the user to put it on by resting it on their shoulders then placing their right hand through the sleeve and leaving their left hand out to clap the tassels. He points out that the bisht should be placed over the wearer's keffiyeh, which should be worn flat on their back and shoulders.

Messi wore both of his hands through the sleeves of the garment, as he needed to keep his hands free to pick up the trophy.