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Messi Draws Frenzy as Argentina Arrive in Luanda for Sold-Out Angola Friendly

Coach Lionel Scaloni frames the fixture as a serious audition for World Cup selection.

Overview

  • Thousands lined the route from 4 de Fevereiro Airport to the team hotel, with TV images showing heavy police presence, military vehicles and road closures to manage crowds.
  • Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will play, saying the captain will take the field though his minutes were not specified.
  • Argentina’s coach declined to reveal the lineup but said there will be many world champions, emphasizing that players are competing to earn places for the next World Cup.
  • The match is set for Estádio 11 de Novembro with all seats sold out; gates open five hours before the 17:00 local kickoff, with coverage listed by TyC Sports and Telefe and local broadcasts by TPA.
  • Reporting in Argentine media says the Angolan government paid a substantial fee to the AFA, linked to the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.