MESSI SHINES AS ARGENTINA DEFEAT ANGOLA 2–0 IN LUANDA FRIENDLY
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
World champions Argentina secured a comfortable 2–0 victory over Angola in an international friendly on Friday, with Lionel Messi playing a decisive role in both goals at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
The Inter Miami star created the opener in the 44th minute, setting up Lautaro Martínez to fire past veteran goalkeeper Hugo Marques at the near post. Messi later doubled Argentina’s lead in the 82nd minute, finishing into the far corner after receiving a return pass from Martínez. Both players were substituted late in the second half after commanding performances.
The result came as little surprise, given Argentina’s status as the world’s No. 2–ranked team 87 places ahead of Angola. The match formed part of events marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence.
Despite being reigning world champions, Argentina were required to earn qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, topping the South American standings with 38 points from 18 matches (12 wins, two draws, four losses). They finished nine points clear of second-placed Ecuador.
Angola, meanwhile, continue to struggle on the global stage. Since their historic qualification for the 2006 World Cup achieved by edging Nigeria on head-to-head results the Black Antelopes have failed to reach the tournament in five consecutive attempts. Their 2026 qualifying campaign ended with just two wins from 10 matches, leaving them 11 points behind group winners Cape Verde.
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