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Messi Scores as Argentina Beats Angola 2–0 in Luanda Friendly

The high-profile match, staged for Angola's 50th independence anniversary, drew scrutiny over a reported €12 million cost.

Overview

  • Argentina won 2-0 with goals from Lautaro Martínez before halftime and Lionel Messi late in the match at Stade 11 Novembro.
  • Messi started and was substituted near the end as Joaquín Panichelli came on to earn his first cap.
  • The fixture formed part of Angola’s independence celebrations and was set up following the Angolan federation president’s April 30 visit to Buenos Aires.
  • Press reports said the government outlay of about €12 million triggered criticism in a country facing economic strain and recent unrest.
  • Local media described plans for protest chants and a heavy security presence of roughly 3,000 agents, while the 50,000 tickets reportedly sold out quickly with steep resale markups.