Lionel Messi’s Visit To Gabon Stirs controversy In The Country

Leo Messi made a surprise visit to Gabon, having been given extended holidays by manager Luis Enrique.

The four-time world player of the year, Lionel Messi was hosted in Gabon on Saturday July 18th by the country's President, Ali Bongo, for the brick laying of their new 22,000 seat stadium. He was  chauffeur driven by the president himself around the streets of Libreville.

The football legend officially laid the first block of the building at the Port-Gentil stadium, which will host Africa Cup of Nations matches in 2017. He came dressed in a casual pair of denim shorts and t-shirt.

Although Messi was personally invited by Gabonese President Ali Bongo to participate in some symbolic ceremonial events, Messi’s visit has become the source of some controversy as  Messi dressed in a
casual pair of denim shorts and t-shirt, which rather contrasted with the formal wear of the Gabonese politicians, as well as the obscene amount of money paid for a simple visit, the sight of Messi being chauffeur-driven by Bongo around the streets of Libreville did not go down at all well with the local residents.

 

According to France Football, the entire charade was arranged by Messi’s former teammate Samuel Eto’o, who enjoys a close relationship with Bongo.