Lionel Messi has been selected as the first Global Ambassador for Dubai's World Expo 2020 event. Reem Al-Hashimi, Managing Director of the Dubai World Expo 2020 citied a number of reasons for the selection of Messi, including him being a highly influential player, with a high ability to “bring people together;” and as he is an inspiration to youngsters, since he overcame health challenges as a child through hard work. Messi has 80 million followers on social media. The Higher Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai had announced last month the kick-off of its Expo Ambassadorship Programme, through which it stated was seeking “high-profile, highly regarded individuals” to spread key themes around the globe ahead of the event. The Expo themes may be categorised into eight main subjects: health, education, science, sports, design, arts and culture, technology and entrepreneurial activity. Further ambassadorial appointments will be made over the coming months. (Arabian Business)