The online commentary, some of it quite derogatory, regarding the black robe that Lionel Messi wore prior to accepting the World Cup actually necessitated explaining the significance of the garment for context.
The garment 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 honor. 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 on 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 honor that can be bestowed upon that civilian. It has nothing to do with religion at all.
Messi may not have understood what it meant when he graciously wore it, but it was the Qatari way of recognizing him for the GOAT that he is.
