AMAZING: Lionel Messi In Gabon, Country’s President Becomes His Personal Driver (Photos)

While his Barcelona teammates were preparing for their pre-season tour in the USA, Lionel Messi made a quick trip to Gabon over the weekend.

Lionel Messi made a quick trip to Gabon over the weekend.

The footballer was invited to the African country to lay the first stone at a future African Cup of Nations’ stadium.

It was Messi’s first visit to Gabon, therefore, footballer’s fans were understandably excited to see four-time world player of the year with their own eyes.

The Argentinian forward was accompanied by Gabon President Ali Bongo.

The BBC reports that the official ceremony took place on a wide sandy ground where the stadium will be built. The Argentinian forward was welcomed and accompanied by Gabon President Ali Bongo.

“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 (the country’s capital). It’s a promise he made me. He is a man of honour who just kept his word,” the president said.

Messi was invited to Gabon to lay the first stone at a future African Cup of Nations’ stadium.

France Football reports that Barcelona striker was paid a €3.6 million appearance fee by the African country’s government for the honour of his brief presence. The disclosure will definitely anger many impoverished people in Gabon.

According to the paper, that amount of money is close to what the Brazilian football legend Pele received in 2012 for a five-day stay in the African country.

Lionel Messi leaves his hand print.

Gabon President Ali Bongo and Lionel Messi

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