Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi was in Egypt this week as part of an initiative to raise awareness and bring attention to a specific health campaign in the North African country.
The incredibly talented attacking player travelled to Egypt on Tuesday as part of a campaign to inform and encourage Hepatitis C sufferers in the country to seek treatment for their illness.
It is hoped that Messi’s fame and popularity will give further attention to the important health initiative in the North African nation.
He is widely recognised as one of the best soccer players ever to have graced a pitch, if not the best of all time.
During his short visit to the country, Messi reflected on the impressive history surrounding him in Egypt, with the famous pyramids attracting his interest in particular.
“It’s great to be at the Pyramids. It was a great moment when I entered the Pyramid and touched its stones,” Messi said, according to KingTut.
“I have touched Egypt’s greatness and know how the ancients have lived, it’s a brilliant moment to watch the history closely. In school I learned about Egypt and I know how great it is,” he added.
“The visit was fast so I can’t talk about Cairo, but I know it has a great history. I wish to know it better someday,” Messi admitted.
The 29-year-old reflected briefly on a previous visit to the country, when his club Barcelona travelled to Cairo for a friendly match against Al Ahly, from which the Spanish side emerged 4-0 winners.
“I have visited Egypt before with Barcelona to play a game here in 2007, but I can’t remember the match score,” Messi revealed.
On a last note, he admitted that he was interested in sampling the local cuisine on his brief visit, saying: “I don’t mind trying the Egyptian food while I am here.”
