Why Messi wore black

The reason why Messi received the award wearing a black robe is because the King of Qatar recognized Messi's performance as a king among contemporary world football.

This type of clothing is called Bisht, which is the traditional clothing of the Middle East and the UAE, and was given to Messi in black, but it can also be in other colors (brown, gray, beige, white, etc.).

Usually the Bisht is ankle length, like the Emir of Qatar next to Messi.The Bisht represents happiness and an element of royalty and is worn by rulers, tribal chiefs, or leaders in general.The Bisht emphasizes the wearer's social status and will be respected by others.

Generally Bisht is worn by celebrities at weddings or some high-profile event, and the one worn by Lionel Messi has a gold rim and represents the royal symbol of the king of soccer.

It's no coincidence that Messi is wearing it today, as December 18 is also Qatar's national day, and Qatari leaders at the Lucerne Stadium are wearing Bisht.

Moment of the awards:

After the awards were handed out to the individual winners at the ceremony, all the Argentinians and Argentine fans finally had the most important moment: the presentation of the Hercules Cup to captain Lionel Messi.

Messi stepped up to the podium under the bright lights of Qatar's Lucerne Stadium. The Emir of Qatar, Tamim, dressed Messi in gold and black, and he lifted the Cup with his teammates in gold and black. This moment will be forever engraved in the history of world soccer.