The truth about 'Messi traveling in Ha Giang'

Images of Messi traveling in Ha Giang with a beaming smile at a rest stop on the road from Dong Van to Meo Vac have attracted attention from the online community. Could the football superstar be visiting Vietnam?

The roads in Ha Giang have left many unforgettable emotions for male tourists - Photo: VAN KHU

On the afternoon of June 26th, a series of images with the caption "Haaland and Messi are currently in Ha Giang" caused a stir on social media.

As soon as these images appeared, they attracted the attention of football fans in Vietnam.

However, the person believed to be Lionel Messi was actually a male tourist named James Dolan from Iceland, who was on his honeymoon in Vietnam.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , James Dolan said that even in his hometown he is often mistaken for Messi. When traveling , people often shout Messi's name when they see him.

"In Vietnam, everyone smiled brightly when they saw me and called out 'Messi, Messi,' and many people came up to take pictures with me. The people are very friendly and hospitable, and I was very happy about this interesting coincidence," James shared.

The image, which appeared on social media, delighted the online community - Photo: MANH DUC

The male traveler learned about Ha Giang through stories from friends. They had visited Vietnam and suggested that a road trip through the magnificent mountain passes of Ha Giang was an unmissable experience. Therefore, James decided to choose Vietnam as his first destination for his honeymoon.

The couple arrived in Hanoi last Sunday, spent three days there, then traveled to Ninh Binh for one day and explored Ha Giang for three days.

Nguyen Van Khu, a tour guide from Lotus Ha Giang Group, shared that he was surprised to see how much his guest resembled football superstar Messi. Along the way, everyone thought the Icelandic tourist was a football player and approached him to take photos.

Recounting his trip to Ha Giang, James Dolan said that what impressed him most was when they got lost right at the start, but had to turn back and catch up with the rest of the group.

"We stopped at a waterfall and swam there. All the scenery in Ha Giang along the way impressed me; words can't describe it."

"Our drivers were all excellent; I was always 'wow' every time the car went around the winding curves on the mountain pass. And the people of Ha Giang are absolutely wonderful; they are friendly and helpful all the time," James shared.

Many young people excitedly check in with "Messi" - Photo: VAN KHU

After concluding their trip to Ha Giang, James Dolan and his wife will continue to Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City before bidding farewell to Vietnam and enjoying their next honeymoon destinations.

Tourists check in at Nho Que River - Photo: VAN KHU

Nominated for the second time as Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination.

Over the years, Ha Giang has consistently been recognized by prestigious travel magazines as one of the world's most attractive destinations.

In 2023, Ha Giang was honored by the World Travel Awards (WTA) as Asia's Leading Emerging Travel Destination.

Subsequently, in 2024, this region was once again honored in the category of Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2024.

In 2025, Ha Giang once again made a strong mark on the tourism map when it was nominated as Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination at the World Tourism Awards.

This is the second consecutive time Ha Giang has received this prestigious nomination.

NGUYEN HIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thuc-hu-messi-di-du-lich-o-ha-giang-202506271854291.htm