Vietnamese woman who carried medals for Messi at World Cup

By Duc Trung December 21, 2022 | 06:25 pm PT

Mai Trang, a Vietnamese flight attendant at Qatar Airways, remembers feeling starstruck while carrying the medals to be presented to the Argentinian team after they won the World Cup.

"I couldn't believe one day that I would stand so close to Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Emiliano Martinez, and many other world-famous players," she said, speaking about the awards ceremony following the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18.

Trang, 24, of HCMC is still stoked after standing on the stage to assist officials, leaders and celebrities.

Mai Trang (seventh from left) stands on the podium with other flight attendants during the 2022 World Cup ceremony at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, December 18. Photo courtesy of Qatar Airways

Mai Trang (fifth from right) on the podium with other flight attendants during the 2022 World Cup awards ceremony at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar, December 18. Photo courtesy of Qatar Airways

She said there was a "halo" behind Messi that day as she witnessed him approaching the podium to accept the trophy.

"The whole stadium shook when the MC announced his name."

Trang used to live in Dubai for two years before moving to Doha nine months ago.

She was delighted, proud, scared, and nervous when asked to join the squad of women presenters for the ceremony.

"I used to watch football on TV as a child, but I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to be a small part of the World Cup.

"Despite being mentally prepared, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the players in person."

Mai Trang (back row, second from right) carries a medal tray standing on the podium at the 2022 World Cup award ceremony at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, December 18, 2022. Photo by AFP

Mai Trang carries a medal tray on the podium at the 2022 World Cup awards ceremony at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar, December 18, 2022. Photo by AFP

According to AP, over 89,000 people attended the World Cup final, more than 60% of them Argentinian.

"I was really worried because the tray in my hand was quite heavy with all the many medals.

"However, when I stood on the podium with the other flight attendants, my fear vanished, and I seemed to be in sync with everyone's joyous moment."

Trang attended a few of the matches and was impressed with the organization by the host country and believed it was the best and safest World Cup in history.

Mai Trang attends a match between Wales and the U.S. at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on November 22, 2022. Photo courtesy of Trang

Trang attends a match between Wales and the U.S. at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on November 22, 2022. Photo courtesy of Trang

Qatar formed a special task force comprising of personnel from the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Turkey, and Pakistan to ensure security and safety.

Trang said: "Qatar established a very safe environment in which everyone could have fun. If you get the chance to travel to the Middle East, you should visit this country to experience how warm and inviting this place is."