Montrealers get up close and personal with World Cup trophy, Italian soccer star

2006 World Cup-winning defender Alessandro Nesta was in Montreal, along with the trophy countries start vying for next month.

The FIFA World Cup starts in less than three weeks, and on Friday, Montrealers got a chance to see the trophy up close and personal and meet an Italian soccer legend who last held the trophy when he won it in 2006.

The teams will soon begin their pre-tournament preparations, and former A.C. Milan and CF Montreal defender Alessandro Nesta says there’s no better feeling than winning for your country.

“It’s a beautiful trophy. when you have your hands on it. It’s because you did something very good,” he said Friday in Montreal.

The buzz is already starting to build, with fans in jerseys from all over the world getting into the festivities.

Watch the video above for the full report by CTV News’ Matt Gilmour.