Angola Reportedly Pays $14 Million to Host Messi and Argentina for Independence Anniversary Match

Angola Reportedly Pays $14 Million to Host Messi and Argentina for Independence Anniversary Match

By Admin 

 Angola is set to celebrate its 50th Independence anniversary with a landmark sporting event, as the country prepares to host reigning world champions Argentina in a high-profile international friendly in November, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to reports from Sport News Africa, the Angolan government has agreed to pay around €12 million (approximately $13.9 million) to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to bring Lionel Messi and other leading stars including Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez to Luanda for the commemorative fixture.

The match, which will coincide with the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, is expected to be one of the most significant sporting events in Angola’s history, underscoring both its passion for football and its ambitions to attract global sporting attention.

While Sport News Africa cited the €12 million figure, other outlets including DW reported a lower estimate of around €5 million ($5.8 million). The AFA has yet to make an official statement on the financial details.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to use the game to experiment with new talent as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rising prospects such as Valentín Barco, Máximo Perrone, and Lautaro Rivero could feature, alongside promising youngsters Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, who continue to push for senior call-ups.

Should the deal be finalized, Lionel Messi is set to headline the squad, with his appearance serving as the centerpiece of Angola’s Independence celebrations.

The friendly is anticipated to draw massive crowds and global media coverage, positioning Luanda as the stage for a memorable fusion of sport, culture, and national pride as Angola marks half a century of sovereignty.