Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi was one of the speakers at the event.

“The World Cup presents a huge opportunity for everyone to show their abilities. I have seen how many sports facilities you have. The World Cup will end, the celebration will be over, but it will help to pay even more attention to the development of football in your country,” Materazzi said.

The Italian added that since his home country will not take part in the tournament, he will be probably cheering for Russia.

The World Cup Trophy is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup football while remaining the property of the organization. It is made of 18 carat gold with a malachite base and depicts two human figures holding the Earth. According to FIFA regulations, only the winners of the tournament and heads of states are allowed to touch the trophy.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off in Moscow in September. The trophy visited 16 Russian cities before the international part of the tour began in London in January. It then traveled to a total of 51 countries.

From May 29 to June 2, the trophy will be put on public display in the Maritime Victory Park on St. Petersburg's Krestovsky Island before traveling back to Moscow.

Russia will host its first FIFA World Cup from June 14 to July 15. The matches will be played at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.