An Omani politician wants to buy Lionel Messi’s festive gown at any price.
Superstar Lionel Messi received a cheeky offer for the robe that was worn on him in the World Cup final a week ago.
When Messi was looking for the World Cup trophy, the emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani put on him a robe known as a bisht. In Arabic culture, the bisht robe is worn by authoritative persons on festive occasions.
Now a member of the Omani Parliament, working as a lawyer Ahmed Al Barwani wants to buy the bishti worn by Messi.
– My friend Messi… On behalf of the Sultanate of Oman, I congratulate you on winning the World Cup in Qatar. The Arabic bisht is a symbol of chivalry and wisdom. I will offer you a million dollars for that bisht, Al Barwani writes on his Twitter account.
Al Barwani commented For National News that he will pay more than a million for the bishti, if the superstar wants to negotiate.
The politician sees bishti as proof of what can be achieved in life.
– It would be put up to remind us of a proud moment and help us relive it. The robe reminds us that we can do anything, he described.
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe the demand for bishti increased enormously in Doha, the capital of Qatar, after the World Cup final.
The newspaper found a man who also prepared Messi’s bishti. The owner of the shop said that he usually sells 8-10 bishtis a day, but on the day after the final, 150 robes were sold.
Three robes similar to Messi’s bishti were sold. The price of one product is almost 2,000 euros.
Broke the rules
Lionel Messi was dressed in bishti. PDO
The bisht placed on Messi’s shoulders caused an uproar last week.
The rulebook of the international football confederation, i.e. Fifa, lists exact instructions on how to dress for the championship celebrations on the field. A player may only wear a game outfit or a championship shirt filled with tea for a special championship. The shirt must be made by the same clothing brand as the jersey.
Putting Bishti on Messi’s shoulders was also interpreted as a PR stunt by Qatar.
The cooperation between Messi and Qatar is close. The Argentinian plays for the French club PSG, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments.
Bishts have gone on sale in Doha. Photo taken on December 21. PDO