Messi’s alleged £2.4m visit to Gabon sparks outcry

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.”

Read also: Milestone Messi, nets 400th goal at Barca

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’s 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.

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