The
visit of Barcelona and Argentina star, Lionel Messi to Garbon has sparked
outcries in the country, as citizens have critised the president for his
handling of the visit, and over allegations that the footballer was paid £2.4m.
While
Barcelona jetted off to America for their pre-season tour of the US at the
weekend, Lionel Messi made the surprise visit to Gabon to lay the first stone
for a stadium to be used for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The
Argentine star was granted time off by his club following his exploits for his
country at the Copa America this summer, and was pictured with Gabonese
president Ali Bongo Ondimba
helping
to begin the building process at the Port-Gentil venue.
After
arriving in the West African nation on Saturday, the 28-year-old was chauffer driven
around by President Bongo before taking part in a ceremony at the stadium,
which will host games at the tournament in two years.
Speaking
about Messi’s appearance in Gabon, the president said: “When
I was in Barcelona a few years ago, I met Messi who had told me that he would
come to visit me in Libreville. “It’s
a promise he made me. He is a man of honour who just kept his word.”
Despite Bongo’s
insistence that Messi’s role in the ceremony was due to a previous vow he
had made, France Football have claimed the Barcelona forward was paid around
£2.4million
to fly to Gabon.
It is reported that Messi former teammates at the Camp Nou, Samuel Eto’o and Deco, helped arrange
the Argentine’s first trip to the country with the pair enjoying a
good relationship with Bongo.
But activists in Gabon have
condemned the president for personnaly driving Messi around, stating that he
belittled himself. Some also lament over claims that he was paid £2.4 million amid
widespread poverty in that country.
(Ripples)
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