Lionel Messi in the “bisht” at FIFA World Cup 2022 – the highest honour for a civilian
The garment that Lionel Messi was draped in during the medal ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is called a ‘bisht’ and it is an outer garment worn in predominantly Arab countries. The name is derived from the Akkadian word ‘bishtu’ which means ‘nobility’ or ‘prestige’.
This garment is considered a symbol of great honour. It’s a status symbol amongst royalty, the wealthy and those with high social rank, much like a cross between ceremonial graduation robes or, in Western terms, wearing a black tuxedo at a special occasion.
When it’s the Emir of a country literally gifting you the bisht, putting it on you with his own hands, it’s the highest honour that can be bestowed upon that civilian.
