Fans fume after Lionel Messi's shirt is covered up for Argentina trophy lift

Fans are furious after Lionel Messi was made to wearing a traditional outfit during Argentina's World Cup trophy lift.

Argentina became world champions for the third time after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shoot-out win followed a pulsating 3-3 draw against France.

Messi bagged a brace and his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst - securing the Golden Boot as a result.

But it was Messi and Argentina who were celebrating, with Gonzalo Montiel converting the winning spot-kick after two misses from France.

Messi finally got his hands on the trophy that has evaded him for so long to well and truly complete football in what could be his final tournament.

But the trophy lift was not quite as special for many as Messi was forced into wearing an Arabic robe.

While it was in line with traditions in Qatar, the first Middle East to stage a World Cup, it covered up Messi's Argentina shirt and plenty feel it ruined such an iconic moment.

Image: Alamy

One user wrote: "Infantino slapping a robe on Messi and then almost lifting the trophy with him. Such a joke, and genuinely ruined the beauty of the moment."

A second said: "Making Messi put on that robe (or whatever it is) has made for some deeply weird visuals of the Argentine team celebrating."

A third commented: "Feel like that robe ruined an iconic moment of Messi lifting the trophy in his Argentina shirt…"

A fourth added: "Am I the only one who thought that the emir of Qatar forcing the robe on Messi was kind of gross?"

A fifth opined: "Also pretty amazing Messi had to cover his shirt with the robe. I respect the symbolism and tradition but, FIFA don’t let people wear a captains armband of their choosing but the cover up the iconic Argentine 10 jersey in one of their greatest moments. No joined up thinking."

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had not lifted any silverware with his country until the Copa America triumph over Brazil last year.

Image: Alamy

He lost three consecutive finals and retired from international duty before returning to the fold. It felt a little odd that the blue and white stripes were slightly hidden for such a wonderful moment.

However, at least we did get the picture of a robeless Messi kissing the Jules Rimet trophy as he walked past it after collecting his Golden Ball award.

Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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