Messi in Gabon

The Argentina and FC Barcelona striker is in Gabon for a 48 hours stay. The current world best player was invited to participate in two events: the laying of the foundation stone of the future modern stadium which will host the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2017 and another sports complex in Port-Gentil, the economic capital and second largest city. Before boarding a flight to the capital of Ogooué-Maritime province, Messi will attend the inauguration of a VIP restaurant in Libreville. 

The cost of the Messi visit has attracted strong criticisms from opposition groups to the President Ali Bongo regime and a cross section of the population that lives below the UN poverty line. The Ali Bongo government has spent almost 2 billion CFA francs to get Lionel Messi appear in Gabon.  The Gabonese government has responded to the scathing attacks stating "This visit of Lionel Messi that honors not only the Gabonese youth as it constitutes a real source of motivation for almost all young people, also positions the Republic of Gabon as a land of football. This is a good way to start our preparation for the CAN 2017, the major sporting event that Gabon has the honor to host on its land".