During his trip to Barcelona years ago the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba met phenomenal soccer player, ‎Lionel Messi and  the latter promised to pay him a visit in his country.

The Barcelona star has made good his promise. He was in the African country yesterday (for the first time) to lay the first stone of the the Port-Gentil stadium, which will host the 2017 African Cup Venue.

The President even drove him in town for the stadium trip. The Argentine playmaker signed

autographs on team jerseys worn by his fans before laying the first stone.

“When I was in Barcelona a few years ago, I met Messi who had told me that he would come to visit me in Libreville. 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 stated.‎

The new stadium will have a capacity of 20,000 and is expected to host matches from November 2016.