Messi lays AFCON 2017 stadium blocks

Barcelona star Lionel Messi was in Gabon last Saturday to help lay the foundation for a new 20,000-seat stadium in Port-Gentil, one of the four venues for the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Argentina captain, a guest of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, laid some few blocks for the start of the new stadium as well as sign autographs for many overjoyed fans.

"When I was in Barcelona a few years ago, I saw Messi and he said he would come to visit me in Libreville," President Bong told media.

"It was a promise which he made to me. He is a man of honour, one who has kept his word. The calendar worked out well and it has corresponded with the laying of the first stone," the Gabonese leader added.

After co-hosting AFCON 2012, Gabon has been awarded the 2017 event and Port-Gentil, Gabon’s second biggest city, will need a new stadium for Africa’s showpiece competition.