“The Republic of Gabon denies having paid, or even promised to pay, such a sum of money to the Argentinian global footballer Lionel Messi”, the presidency said in a statement.
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Barcelona face LA Galaxy on Tuesday before taking on Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea. “The calendar worked out well and it has corresponded with the laying of the first stone”, the Gabonese leader added.
It was Messi’s first visit to Gabon, therefore, football fan were understandably excited to see the four-time world player of the year.
The ceremony took place on a wide sandy ground where the stadium will be built.
“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”, said the Gabon president.
A report in France Football reads: ‘The little African trip should bring in around 3.5 million euros.
“It’s a promise he had made me and he is a man of honour, who just kept his word”.
The 28-year-old multi-millionaire – who turned up unshaven, in a torn pair of shorts – travelled to Port-Gentil, the nation’s economic capital, at the invitation of President Ali Bongo, according to the statement.
Lionel Messi leaves his hand print in cement at the construction site of a new soccer stadium in Port-Gentil, Gabon, July 18, 2015.
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While the delegation to meet Messi were mostly dressed in suits, the Barcelona forward was wearing very casual attire, looking like he’d stopped off in the country on the way to a game of bowling.
