Lionel Messi’s Visit to Gabon Sparks Controversy
Before rejoining FC Barcelona for pre-season training, Lionel Messi made headlines with a brief but high-profile visit to Gabon this past Friday. Officially invited by President Ali Bongo, Messi traveled to the Central African nation to lay the foundation stone for the future Port-Gentil stadium, a key venue for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the trip has not been without controversy. While the Argentine superstar’s presence was welcomed by some, opposition voices in Gabon have criticized the visit, calling it “politics through football.” According to local sources, Messi also attended the inauguration of a restaurant reportedly owned by Noureddine Bongo, the president’s son, further fueling the debate.
The cost of hosting Messi — who rarely travels without compensation — has become a focal point of criticism in a country struggling with poverty, raising questions about government priorities. Despite the backlash, Messi’s visit was widely covered and marks another moment in his growing global influence, both on and off the pitch.
