Lionel Messi criticised for 'arriving as in a zoo' during Gabon visit

Lionel Messi’s casual attire came in for sharp criticism from various circles

Lionel Messi came in for criticism from Gabon’s main opposition party who claimed that the four-time World Footballer of the Year dressed as ‘if he were going to a zoo’, ESPN FC reports. According to them, Messi was dressed shabbily for an occasion of great magnitude that amounted to a lack of respect for the nation.

A statement from the Union du Peuple Gabonais party read: "The Messiah of football arrived as in a zoo in Gabon: dirty, unshaven and his hands in his pockets, looking to swing their peanuts!

"When you're called Lionel Messi and you're a multi-billionaire, you don't have the right to present yourself to officials of a republic, even a banana one, with your hands in the pockets of a ripped, tattered pair of shorts.

"Gabon isn't a zoo. We don't know what the Argentine came to Gabon for, but we at least have the right to denounce his negligence and his lack of respect for standards and principles. We are uneasy with Messi's attitude and his attire. Only for these reasons, linked to respect for the host country, do we condemn the dishonesty of the footballer and this is the minimum!”

Messi’s Gabon visit marred in controversies

Messi’s visit to the oil-rich nation for a stone laying ceremony at one of the venues for the 2017 African Cup of Nations has already been marred in controversy. The Barcelona superstar came in for criticism for his decision to visit the African nation, who in spite of their vast resources, has a third of its population living below the poverty line.

Messi was also criticised for his closeness to Gabon president Ali Bongo who has been accused of electoral fraud and various human rights abuses. Bongo had claimed that Messi was fulfilling a promise made to him when he had made a visit to Barcelona.

French magazine France Football added further embarrassment for Messi and the Gabonese government by claiming that the player was paid £2.5 million for his visit. The charge was categorically denied by the Gabonese embassy, according to the Guardian.

“The Republic of Gabon strongly denies having transferred or having promised to transfer any sum of money to the Argentine international football player Lionel Messi, who was in Gabon from 17 to 18 July 2015 on the invitation of Ali Bongo,” the statement released by the Gabonese embassy read.