The roads in Ha Giang left the male tourist with many unforgettable emotions - Photo: VAN KHU
On the afternoon of June 26, social networks were abuzz with a series of images with the caption "Haaland and Messi are in Ha Giang".
As soon as these photos appeared, they received the attention of football fans in Vietnam.
But in fact, the person believed to be Lionel Messi is a male tourist named James Dolan from Iceland, who is on his honeymoon in Vietnam.
Talking to Tuoi Tre Online , James Dolan said that even in his hometown, he is often mistaken for Messi. When traveling , people often call out Messi's name when they see him.
"In Vietnam, people smiled brightly when they saw me and called me "Messi, Messi", many people came and took pictures with me. The people are very friendly and hospitable, I myself am very happy because of this interesting coincidence", James shared.
The image appeared on social networks, making the online community excited - Photo: MANH DUC
The male tourist learned about Ha Giang through his friends. They had been to Vietnam and suggested that backpacking through the majestic mountain passes in Ha Giang was an experience not to be missed. Therefore, James decided to choose Vietnam as the first destination for his honeymoon.
The couple arrived in Hanoi last Sunday, they spent three days in Hanoi, then traveled to Ninh Binh for 1 day and explored Ha Giang for 3 days.
Mr. Nguyen Van Khu, a tour guide for Lotus Ha Giang group, shared that he was also surprised to see that his guest looked so much like football superstar Messi. On the group's way, everyone thought this Icelandic male tourist was a football player and asked to take a photo with him.
Talking about the trip to Ha Giang, what impressed James Dolan the most was the time they got lost right after setting off, they had to turn back and catch up with the group.
"We stopped at a waterfall and swam there. All the scenery in Ha Giang on the way impressed me, no words can describe it.
Our drivers are all very good, I was "wow" every time the car went through the winding curves on the pass. And the people of Ha Giang are extremely wonderful, they are friendly and help us all the time", James confided.
Many young people excitedly checked in with "Messi" - Photo: VAN KHU
Ending their journey in Ha Giang, James Dolan and his wife will continue to Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City before saying goodbye to Vietnam and enjoying the next destinations of their honeymoon.
Tourists check-in at Nho Que River - Photo: VAN KHU
Nominated for Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination for the Second Time
Over the years, Ha Giang has been continuously honored by prestigious travel magazines as one of the most attractive destinations in the world.
In 2023, Ha Giang was honored by the World Travel Awards (WTA) as Asia's Leading Emerging Tourist Destination.
Next, in 2024, this land will continue to be honored in the category of Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination in 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 by the World Travel 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
![[Photo] General Secretary To Lam attends the launch of 3 digital platforms serving the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/7/2/d7fb7a42b2c74ffbb1da1124c24d41d3)
Comment (0)