Lineker queries FIFA after Messi wore “bisht” during World Cup presentation 

Lineker was not the only one who questioned the decision, ex-Argentina international, Zabaleta who was also a studio guest agreed with him

By Kehinde Okeowo

Ex-England international, Gary Lineker has taken exception to FIFA’s decision to grant Argentina star, Lionel Messi permission to wear ‘a little robe’ during the World Cup trophy presentation to the South Americans on Sunday night. 

Argentina lifted this year’s World Cup after 36 years, beating defending champions, France 4-2 on penalties after extra-time. 

– Advertisement –

The final match had ended 3-3 after a goal from Angel Di Maria, a brace from Lionel Messi and a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe could not settle the scintillating encounter. 

Messi who captained Argentina, while collecting the trophy was allowed to wear a traditional Qatari dress “bisht” much to the displeasure of Lineker.

The former Barcelona, talking to BBC after the match, asserted that FIFA allowed the glamour to be taken out of the presentation. when it agreed that the PSG striker could cover his Argentina shirt. 

ALSO READ: John Barnes urges Nkunku not to join Chelsea

Lineker said: “This is a magic moment. It’s a shame in a way they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt,” 

– Advertisement –

Former Argentina international, Pablo Zabaleta who was also a studio guest agreed with him saying: “Why? No reason to.”

However, when Messi later took off the bisht as he left the podium, Lineker added: “He’s taken his little robe off now.”