Messi's kiss makes history World Cup trophy in Dhaka: Memorable moment for football fans

A moment of Lionel Messi on the award ceremony stage after the 2022 Qatar World Cup final is still etched in the hearts of football fans. The emotional kiss he gave to the World Cup trophy on his right side while coming down from the podium with the Golden Ball in his hand has become an unforgettable image in history. The World Cup trophy, which witnessed that historic moment, has now arrived in Bangladesh.

The World Cup trophy arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka this morning as part of the 'FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour'. Brazilian footballer Gilberto Silva, who won the 2002 World Cup, arrived in Bangladesh with the trophy. His presence sparked renewed excitement among football fans.

This is not the first time the World Cup trophy has visited Bangladesh. The trophy had previously come to Bangladesh in 2002, 2013 and 2022. It arrived in Dhaka as part of the trophy tour that began in Saudi Arabia on January 3 this year. During this nearly 150-day tour, the trophy will be displayed at 75 venues in 30 countries around the world. The final destination of this long journey is Mexico, where the World Cup begins on June 12.

The trophy that will be handed over to the champion team at the end of the World Cup final on July 19 is the real World Cup trophy that arrived in Bangladesh today. Made of pure gold, this trophy weighs 6.175 kg. The trophy that the players hold aloft at the moment of winning the World Cup is used for celebration, but they cannot keep it permanently. Later, a replica trophy plated in gold is presented to the winning team.

Although the 2022 World Cup Trophy Tour saw a large crowd in Bangladesh, this time the exhibition area has been kept somewhat limited. Only the selected winners under Coca-Cola's 'Under the Cap' campaign will have the opportunity to see the trophy up close and take pictures. For this, participants must carry a valid ticket and a Coca-Cola bottle cap with them.

The World Cup trophy exhibition will begin in Dhaka from 1 pm today, which will continue until the evening. After that, this historic trophy will leave Bangladesh and head for its next destination. Although this is a short trip, the presence of the World Cup trophy, which made history with Messi's kiss, will undoubtedly be a unique memory for football fans in Bangladesh.