CONFIRMED: Angola to host world champions Argentina in a historic friendly game

Angola will mark its 50th independence anniversary with a football spectacle as the national team hosts world champions Argentina in a friendly at Estádio 11 de Novembro on November 14.

The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the high-profile encounter on Thursday, describing it as a “historic” event for the nation.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time.

“The Angolan National Team will have a historic encounter against the Argentinian National Team in a friendly match scheduled for November 14th at 5:00 PM at the 11 de Novembro Stadium,” the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) said in a statement.

“The match is part of the celebrations of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence and promises to be a true football spectacle.”

However, the excitement has been tempered by controversy over the reported cost of the fixture.

Angola is set to pay around €9.2 million (approximately $10 million) to secure the visit of Lionel Messi and his teammates — a figure that has sparked public debate over spending priorities at a time of economic difficulty in the oil-dependent nation.

For Argentina, the Luanda fixture will be their only game in November, following a brief training camp in Spain.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that plans for a potential second friendly in India were scrapped due to logistical challenges.

Fans are expected to fill the stands in anticipation of seeing Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, lead the world champions in what promises to be an unforgettable night in the Angolan capital.