There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is a great soccer player. But as for his style, that has come into question. Messi has been given a lot of grief for his attire during a high-profile visit to the African nation of Gabon. He was also reportedly given $3.8 million to make the visit, though it has been denied. There to visit the president Ali Bongo and a new soccer stadium building site in Port-Gentil, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner showed up in a white t-shirt and torn jean shorts.
Gabon denies paying Lionel #Messi $3.8m to lay the foundation stone for a 2017 CAN stadium http://t.co/ID6E5AIjHR pic.twitter.com/8wyDKmAmfR
— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 22, 2015
Political opposition in the country, Union of the Gabonese People, released a statement concerning Messi's attire.
"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 footballer's indelicateness, to say the least."
Leo Messi was paid €3.5m by Ali Bongo for Gabon visit [France Football] http://t.co/wOhuQQ2boZ pic.twitter.com/yxBaa3NpAI
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) July 20, 2015
To make Messi's trip even better, Gabon's president has been accused of corruption and human rights abuse. He sounds like a great FIFA presidency candidate.
Gabon will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Messi meanwhile, may want to shop for some nicer clothing.