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Messi to Start as Argentina Face Angola in Luanda Friendly on Friday

For Angola, the visit serves as the showcase event of its 50th year of independence.

Overview

  • Coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi will open the match and that many World Cup champions are set to play.
  • The game in Luanda’s Estadio 11 de Novembro is sold out after roughly $1 tickets, a move that drew local criticism given economic hardship.
  • Local media report the Angolan government paid about $12 million and financed stadium upgrades to bring in the world champions.
  • Scaloni framed the friendly as a selection test, with younger call‑ups getting evaluated for potential inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad.
  • Kickoff is 13:00 in Argentina, and the broadcast is scheduled on TyC Sports and Telefe with streaming options available.