Angola paid a small fortune for its friendly against Messi’s Argentina.
The November international break promises an air of prestige in Luanda. To mark the celebration of its Independence Day, Angola is set to host none other than world champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi@Besoccer
According to several consistent sources, the Angolan Football Federation has made a colossal financial effort to bring the Albiceleste to its soil. The cost of the operation is said to be around €12 million, a record for a friendly match on the African continent.
Initially, the Moroccan Federation was in advanced talks to organize this fixture, but the financial demands of the Argentine side — estimated at over €10 million, including travel and logistical costs — deterred Rabat. Angola, determined to make a statement, did not hesitate to take the plunge.
Scheduled for November 14, this match is part of the Palancas Negras’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Beyond the sporting aspect, the match carries strong symbolic weight: offering the Angolan public an exceptional show to commemorate one of the most important moments in the nation’s history.