Controlled winning in a specific context. Argentina, led by its superstar Lionel Messi, who scored the goal, won against Angola (2-0) in a friendly match on Friday in Luanda, as part of the southern African country’s celebration of 50 years of independence.
The pre-match was also marked by an unusual sight, Angola’s president, João Lourenço, entering the pitch to welcome the 22 players and honor Messi by presenting him with a special trophy. In return, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner presented his host with an Angola jersey signed by Albiceleste players, before giving him one of his personal tunics.
The defending world champions did not need to use their talents to beat the Angolan team who were ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, served well by Messi, opened the scoring with a low shot just before the break (44th).
Then, El Toro turned into a passer by shifting his captain to break the goal after returning from the Angolan defense in the pivot (82).
A match is worth 12 million euros
Both goalscorers were then replaced late in the match, Strasbourg’s Joaquín Panichelli, top scorer in the French Championship, replaced La Pulga in honor of his first choice.
Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the Albiceleste have just one preparatory match on the program during this international break following the cancellation of another friendly against India.
This match was concluded when the president of the Angolan Football Federation visited Buenos Aires on April 30, with the aim of bringing the world champions to celebrate 50 years of independence for the former Portuguese colony.
However, according to press information, the arrival of the Argentines in Luanda cost the government about 12 million euros, which sparked a major controversy in a country that was hit by a latent economic crisis.
In August, four Angolan NGOs asked the Argentine team to stop playing the match following the deaths of thirty people in demonstrations the previous month against rising fuel prices.
