Messi excels as Argentina defeats Angela 2-0 in a friendly game in Luanda
Argentina easily defeated Angola 2-0 in an international friendly played in Luanda on Friday, thanks to another masterpiece from football icon Lionel Messi.
In a game played to commemorate Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, Messi assisted on the first goal and scored the second as the world champions proved their quality.
The match, which took place in the capital of Angola in a crowded national stadium, demonstrated the disparity in social status between the two teams.
Argentina, who entered the game 87 ranks ahead of Angola and are ranked second in the world after Spain, proved their superiority with a calm, commanding performance.
The Albiceleste steadily strengthened their hold on the match as the hosts played a cagey first period.
Their breakthrough occurred in the 44th minute when Messi, with his signature vision, made a brilliant pass to release Lautaro Martínez.
Without making a mistake, the Inter Milan striker gave Argentina a well-earned 1-0 lead by beating veteran 39-year-old goalie Hugo Marques at his near post.
Angola exhibited fleeting bursts of resistance in the second half, but they seldom ever threatened the Argentine defense.
Argentina waited for the ideal opportunity to score again, which finally arrived in the 82nd minute. They were patient in their build-up and at ease in possession.
Messi finished clinically with a shot curled into the far corner after Martínez switched roles and put him up.
Late in the game, coach Lionel Scaloni gave various team players minutes, substituting both goal scorers.
Argentina qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning the South American standings, and the resounding win strengthened their momentum going into the tournament.
The defending champions finished with 38 points, nine points ahead of their nearest rivals, Ecuador, after winning 12 games, drawing two, and losing four.
The game served as both a celebration and a reminder of what is yet to come for Angola.
The Black Antelopes edged Nigeria on head-to-head records and notably qualified for the 2006 World Cup, but they have had terrible results in their subsequent campaigns.
In their attempt to qualify for the 2026 tournament, they only achieved two victories out of ten qualifiers, placing them far behind Cape Verde, who won their group.
Argentina once again took center stage, spearheaded as always by Lionel Messi’s eternal genius, while the Angolans relished the symbolic significance of hosting the world champions on their diamond jubilee of independence.
