Argentinian soccer player and four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi (C) is given a tour during the start of construction of the Port-Gentil Stadium by the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba (R) in the Ntchengue district of Port-Gentil on July 18, 2015. Gabon will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament. AFP PHOTO / STEVE JORDAN (Photo credit should read Steve Jordan/AFP/Getty Images)STEVE JORDAN/Getty Images

Stone Leo Messi Helped Place in Gabon Stolen by Thieves

Sean FayJul 27, 2015

Leo Messi's trip to Gabon has taken a new twist.

There was controversy last week, when it was claimed the Barcelona star was paid £2.4 million to visit the country.

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Messi was there to lay a stone at the stadium that will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Messi even put his handprints on the stone, but now it has been stolen.

As per Sport:

"
The stone he symbolically placed for the construction of a new Port Gentil stadium, ahead of Gabon hosting the 2017 Africa Cup, has disappeared. Somebody has taken the stone on which Messi left his hand marks.
L'Union reports that the authorities arrived as soon as the theft of the stone was discovered by security and are on its trail.
"

Messi travelled to Gabon after being given time off by Barcelona because of his exploits in the Copa America.

[Sport]