World Cup holders Argentina defeated Angola 2-0 in a high-stakes friendly match on Thursday, pocketing a reported £12 million fee from the African hosts to mark their 50th independence anniversary from Portugal, with Lionel Messi starring in a sold-out spectacle at the November 12 Stadium.
The encounter, attended by over 50,000 fans including Angolan President Joao Lourenco, saw the Albiceleste dominate proceedings, with Inter Miami forward Messi netting the second goal in the 82nd minute after setting up Lautaro Martinez for the opener.
Messi, 38, played 86 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation, registering five shots and completing 39 of 49 passes in a display that underscored his enduring class.
The £12 million payout, confirmed by sources close to the Angolan Football Federation, funded Argentina’s appearance as part of the jubilee celebrations, though no official statements from either side addressed the financial arrangement directly.
Title-holders do not automatically qualify for the next World Cup, so 2022 champions Argentina had to play the other nine South American countries home and away to secure a place at the 2026 tournament.
They won 12 matches, drew two and lost four to top the final standings with 38 points, nine more than second-placed Ecuador.
Angola were shock qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, pipping Nigeria on head-to-head records after winning at home and drawing away against the group favourites.
But the Black Antelopes have been unable to make it to the global showpiece in five subsequent attempts. They won just two of 10 qualifiers for the 2026 tournament to finish 11 points behind group winners Cape Verde.
ANN/AFP
