Messi Bags UN Tourism Ambassador

FC Barcelona and Argentine Skipper, Lionel Messi has added another feather to his massive hauls with the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organisation appointing him as an ambassador to promote responsible tourism.

In a statement released by the Madrid-based United Nations body announcing the nomination, Messi said, “During my travels, I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as other ways to see the world and this is very enriching”.

“I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism,” the five-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award said.

The UN body is stepping up its campaign to minimise the harm that tourism can cause to the environment and historical sites.

It defines “responsible tourism” as tourism that “helps maximise the sector’s benefits while minimising its potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and societies across the globe”.

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) chief, Zurab Pololikashvili said it is a “great honour” to have Messi on our team promoting “the positive values and benefits that tourism represents.

“Messi is a unique sportsman and an example of how willpower and constant work yield good results,” he said.

Currently, the 30-year-old Argentine captain is the leading scorer in La Liga this season with 29 goals and is also the all-time top marksman in Spain’s top flight.

Messi is also the top scorer in the history of Barcelona and Argentina’s national football team – With agency report