Argentinian fans appeared to take a relaxed view of strict dress codes in Qatar by rolling up their tops and ripping off their shirts as their team took on Saudi Arabia in the World Cup.
Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites to claim the prestigious prize, after Messi claimed his first piece of international silverware last year with victory over Brazil in the Copa America final.
However Saudi Arabia pulled off a huge shock by beating the team 2-1 in the opening match in Group C on Tuesday.
Fans were quick to get into the spirit of the event today, with many rolling up their football shirts and donning hot pants they entered the Lusail Stadium for the match.
It was a far cry from the look donned by some of the Saudi Arabia fans, many of whom adopted full-length garments and face coverings as they arrived to watch the game.
Visitors to Qatar have been urged to dress modestly, with the country’s tourism website saying men and women should ‘show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public.’
Argentinian fans appeared to take a relaxed view of strict dress codes in Qatar by rolling up their tops and ripping off their shirts as their team took on Saudi Arabia in the World Cup
A number of female fans rolled up their tops to expose their stomachs as they took in the pre-match atmosphere in Qatar
Visitors are being asked to cover their shoulders and knees, with those found wearing shorts or sleeveless tops potentially being turned away from government buildings, markets and major shopping complexes.
When in public, Qatari women are expected to wear the abaya, which is a long dark robe that covers the entire body.
This is not expected of foreign visitors, who also do not need to cover their hair.
However they are expected and encouraged to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee.
Meanwhile others donned denim hot pants, while male fans whipped off their shirts at the event
In hotels and tourist resorts, it is a different tale, where bikinis are commonly worn around the pool.
Despite the code, it appears a number of fans have instead opted for a more casual approach to dressing for the contest.
A number of male football-lovers from Argentina were seen having whipped off their shirts, and instead stood topless in the stadium to watch the match.
Meanwhile a number of female fans appeared to disregard the code when they entered the stadium.
The look was in sharp contrast to the outfits worn by the fans of Saudi Arabia, some of whom donned headscarves and face coverings
Some were snapped with their tops rolled up and tucked, in order to make a crop top, while others were photographed exposing their shoulders having rolled up their sleeves.
Earlier this week, Virgin Atlantic staff flying the England team to Qatar were told not to wear gender-neutral uniforms but instead dress in more traditional cabin crew outfits.
It comes after the partners of England’s World Cup squad were told to dress modestly when out and about in Qatar.
At least three WAGs turned to personal stylists to ensure they don’t cause offence in the strict Islamic nation, with low-cut tops and short skirts strictly banned.
Despite visitors being asked to cover their shoulders and ‘dress modestly’, a number of Argentinian fans appeared to disregard the advice
Others rolled up their tops and tucked them into their bras to expose their midriff while cheering on the team
Some female fans opted to wear form-fitting vest tops which were emblazoned with their team’s colours
Instead, the wives and girlfriends will enjoy evenings out in linen trouser suits and long dresses, with their arms covered to show respect to local tradition.
Personal stylist Connie Jones, 31, from Manchester, helped three WAGs design their wardrobes for the tournament – not only for matches, but for evening get togethers and restaurant visits.
Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos, John Stones’s partner Liv Naylor and Marcus Rashford’s fiancée Lucia Loi all sought help ahead of arriving for England’s first World Cup match against Iran on Monday, MailOnline has been told.
All three will bring suitcases of designer clothing, make-up and jewellery curated by Ms Jones, who runs the Connie Personal Shopping Company from her studio in Manchester.
And it wasn’t just women! A number of male fans whipped off their shirts and opted to go topless at the event
Meanwhile other enthusiastic football supporters watched the match topless from inside the stadium
Low-cut tops, skimpy tight shorts and revealing skirts have been vetoed.
However, wearing England shirts with the names of their partners – a custom at World Cup matches – has been OKed by those in Qatar.
The WAGs have been told they should consider a scarf – with Gucci and Hermes favoured – to wear around their necks so as to not reveal their figures.
A source told MailOnline: ‘A lot of planning has gone in preparation for the women.
‘Connie leaves nothing to chance and has examined their itinerary and desired outfits which will fit into situations such as visit to restaurants or even when they are in the gym.
‘She is highly trusted and thought of by the women and has contacts to source the latest fashions and clothing so that the women look the best.
‘This World Cup is very different from the last one in Russia four years ago we are the players wives and girlfriends could show off their bodies and figures in items such as denim shorts and skimpy tops.
‘The women know that they are going to be photographed wherever they go and they understand that it helps them on their social media profiles so they have to look the best.
It was a far cry from the outfits worn by fans of the Saudi Arabian team, many of whom appeared to oblige by guidelines set by Qatar tourist board
One woman opted to wear a headscarf and a full length black garment as she arrived at the stadium today
Others opted to wear face coverings (left) and head scarves as they attended the event (right) today
‘The last thing they want is to offend anybody in Qatar. They have a lot of self-respect and want to show the same respect to the people there but at the same time enjoy themselves.
‘What we are going to see at this World Cup is a new style of WAG. They are going to look amazing everywhere they go.’
Connie has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram and they include Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Kalvin Phillips’ girlfriend Ashleigh Behan and Declan Rice’’ partner Lauren Fryer.
The women are staying in the floating hotel, the brand-new £1billion liner MSC World Europa. MailOnline understands each cabin will cost up to £40,000 for the duration.