Luanda erupted in a frenzy of excitement as Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national team arrived in Angola on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The visit, timed to coincide with Angola's 50th independence anniversary celebrations, has been met with widespread enthusiasm, underscoring the unifying power of football and the global appeal of arguably the greatest player of all time.
The Argentinian squad's arrival at Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport was met with a raucous reception from jubilant fans who had been waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Videos circulating online show enthusiastic crowds cheering, waving Argentinian flags, and chanting Messi's name as the team made their way through the airport. The atmosphere was electric, demonstrating the profound impact that Messi and Argentina have on football fans worldwide.
The centerpiece of the visit is a friendly match between Angola and Argentina at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. The stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 40,000, is expected to be filled to capacity, with tickets priced at a symbolic one U.S. dollar to ensure that local fans can attend the historic event. The Angolan Football Federation reportedly invested $13 million to bring Messi and his teammates to Luanda, highlighting the significance of the event for the nation.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, has confirmed that Messi will play a prominent role in the friendly match. While the exact number of minutes Messi will play is yet to be determined, Scaloni assured fans that he would be in the starting lineup. This announcement has further fueled the excitement surrounding the match, with fans eager to witness Messi's brilliance on Angolan soil.
Despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, the visit has not been without its controversies. In August, several civil society groups urged the Argentinian team to cancel their participation in the game, citing concerns about human rights and alleged systematic repression by Angolan authorities. These groups argued that Argentina's withdrawal would represent a gesture of solidarity and respect for human rights. Nevertheless, the Argentinian squad proceeded with their plans, arriving in Angola as scheduled.
The match against Angola serves as Argentina's final game of 2025, providing Scaloni with an opportunity to assess his squad and give younger players valuable international experience. Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, allowing Scaloni to experiment with his lineup and strategies. The Argentinian team is expected to field a strong lineup, including stars such as Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González.
For Angola, the friendly match against Argentina represents a significant moment in their footballing history. The opportunity to play against the world champions and witness Messi in action is a source of immense pride and inspiration for Angolan players and fans alike. While Angola did not qualify for the World Cup after finishing fourth in their group, the match against Argentina provides a platform to showcase their talent and compete against the best in the world.
The atmosphere in Luanda is one of celebration and anticipation as Angola prepares to host Messi and Argentina. The visit has brought joy and excitement to the nation, highlighting the power of football to transcend borders and unite people from different cultures. As the world watches, Angola is ready to extend a warm and rousing welcome to the GOAT and his Argentinian teammates.
Argentina secured a decisive 4-1 victory in the historic match against Angola, which further underscored their world-class status while honoring Angola's 50th independence anniversary.
