MADRID, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced on Monday that FC Barcelona and Argentina striker, Leo Messi has been appointed as UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism.

The first footballer in history to win five Balon D' Or awards and arguably the best player in the world, joins former Real Madrid and Spain international, Fernando Hierro and legendary Spain coach, Vicente del Bosque, as one of the first sporting personalities appointed by the UNWTO to highlight the links between sport and tourism and to help take the message of sustainability to a wider public.

The ceremony confirming Messi's appointment actually took place at the Camp Nou Stadium after the striker had scored a hat-trick to give Barcelona a 3-1 win at home over Leganes late on Saturday night.

UNWTO Secretary General Zurba Pololikashvili said Messi was "a unique sportsman and an example of how willpower and constant work yield good results. It is a great honor to have Messi joining UNWTO and other well-known personalities in promoting the positive values and benefits that tourism represents."

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. This is very enriching. The World Tourism Organization as a specialized Agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism."