Angola reportedly pays $10 million for Argentina friendly featuring Lionel Messi

Angola’s football federation has reportedly approved a $10 million payment to stage a high-profile friendly against world champions Argentina on November 14, marking the country’s 50th independence anniversary at Estadio 11 de Novembro.

While the Angolan Football Federation confirmed the match, reports by outlets such as Sport News Africa and YEN.com.gh have triggered a public debate over spending priorities, especially given the nation’s economic challenges.

French source L’Equipe noted that Argentina’s usual fee for friendly matches is around €10 million, excluding travel expenses, making this event strikingly expensive for Angola. The Argentine Football Association clarified that this match would be Lionel Scaloni’s squad’s only fixture in November, following training camps in Spain, and squashing rumors of additional fixtures in another country due to logistics.

Public response in Angola has reportedly been mixed, with some fans excited to see Lionel Messi and his teammates, while others feel the money could go to more pressing issues.

Angola recently placed 4th with 12 points in Group D in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.