Messi has been known to turn up for big events not exactly dressed to kill.At various Ballon d’Or and other sundry award ceremonies he has traditionally arrived in a suits that have had people blinking in astonishment.The poster boy of Argentinian football generally dresses in way that could be used to make posters on how people are not supposed to dress up for award ceremonies.
However he has hit an all time low in a recent trip to Africa.He met the Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba wearing a T Shirt and torn jeans.
The Gabonese media have shown their deep disapproval of Messi’s lack of respect by publishing this strong expression of discontent.
“The Messiah of football arrived as if he was going to a zoo in Gabon: dirty, unshaven and with his hands in his pockets like he was looking to swing peanuts! We called Lionel Messi, who is a multi-billionaire, but no one has the right to appear before officials of the same banana republic … hands in the pockets of torn and ragged shorts .. . Hands in pockets, it is a total lack of manners, it is appalling. Gabon is not a zoo! It is not known why the Argentine picked Gabon but at least we have the right to terminate his neglect, lack of respect for the standards and principles. It is uncomfortable to see the attitude and attire of Messi. Just for these reasons related to compliance with the host country, we condemn the dishonesty of the footballer and this is the minimum!”
This may spiral into a major diplomatic incident unless Messi can figure out how he is supposed to dress when he’s meeting a president and make the necessary apologies.