- Angola reportedly paid a lot of money to convince Lionel Messi’s Argentina to play in their independence day celebrations
- Messi scored and assisted in the game held on Friday, November 14, in the Angolan capital of Luanda
- The games were part of World Cup 2026 preparations for Argentina, while Angola are preparing for AFCON 2025
Angolan citizens recently had the privilege of watching Lionel Messi play on their soil during an international friendly match.
Source: UGC
Argentina travelled to Luanda to play Angola at the 11 November Stadium as part of their anniversary celebrations.
It has been 50 years since the country gained their independence from Portugal.
More than 50,000 spectators thronged the stadium to watch the reigning world champions. Head coach Lionel Scaloni named a strong squad for the contest, headlined by Messi, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister, among others.
How much did Angola pay Argentina?
Getting the world champions to agree to travel to Luanda didn’t come cheap. ESPN reports that the Angolan government parted with almost $12 million (KSh 1.5 billion) to make Argentina agree to the friendly game.
“The match is part of the celebrations of Angola’s 50th Independence Day and promises to be a true football spectacle,” read a statement from the Angolan Football Federation before the game.
The country’s president, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, gifted Messi before the start of the game.
How Argentina beat Angola
Messi was cheered on by Angolan citizens, and he didn’t disappoint, scoring one and assisting another in the 2-0 win.
The Inter Miami man set up Martinez in the first half before the Inter Milan striker returned the favour in the second half to score his 115th international goal.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was withdrawn in the 86th minute to a standing ovation, with Joaquin Panichelli taking his place.
“Proud to continue representing my country and defending the blue and white,” said Messi after the game.
Argentina do not have any other game during this international break. Their next planned fixture before their World Cup defence next year is the Finalissima game against Euro champions Spain.
Messi will now return to the United States, where his Inter Miami side will play Cincinnati on November 24 in the Major League Soccer play-offs conference semi-finals.
Source: Twitter
Should they beat Cincinnati, they will face one of the Philadelphia Union or New York City for a chance to compete in the league’s final.
Meanwhile, Angola will now shift their focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month, where they will play South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt in the group stages.
Lionel Messi answers GOAT question
Messi’s comments about the GOAT debate resurfaced after Ronaldo said he is the most complete footballer.
Messi was asked if he is the best player ever after winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or ahead of Erling Haaland.
He said being included among the best players in history is special, but he did not care about being the best in history.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
