While his Barcelona teammates left for their pre-season tour to the USA last week, Lionel Messi jetted off to Gabon for financial gain.
According to France Football, Messi was personally invited to the country by Gabonese President Ali Bongo to participate in symbolic ceremonial events, but we aren't too sure what these events were.
Messi was invited to Gabon to lay the first stone at a future Africa Cup of Nations venue, which he was dressed in a casual pair of denim shorts and t-shirt.
It's also believed that Messi was given a financial reward of R47 million by Ali Bongo in exchange for his time in the country.
The amount of money spent on just a visit is absolutely crazy and it's believed it was all arranged by Messi's former teammate Samuel Eto'o, as he has a close relationship with the country's president.
The latest news has caused a bit of a stir in the country and its will be interesting to see how the nation reacts to their presidents wasteful spending.
Would you be happy for President Jacob Zuma to spend that money on getting Lionel Messi to visit?
