A capacity crowd of just over 50,000 filled the November 11 Stadium, with President João Lourenço among the dignitaries in attendance. Despite the festive atmosphere, the Palancas Negras were unable to stop Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, who combined to seal a 2-0 win for the visitors.

Argentina’s captain played a decisive role in both goals, setting up the opener for Martínez before finding the net himself late in the second half. The Inter Milan striker returned the favour with an assist on Messi’s 82nd-minute strike a composed finish that brought the crowd to its feet.

Messi was substituted four minutes later to a standing ovation, having produced another influential display at age 38.
In his 86 minutes on the pitch, he registered five shots, completed 39 of 49 passes, and was a constant threat in the final third.

The friendly was part of Angola’s golden jubilee programms, with the government investing heavily to attract the reigning World Cup winners for a rare visit to Central Africa. The match marked Argentina’s first-ever senior fixture in Angola.

Despite the defeat, the occasion was widely hailed as a landmark moment for Angolan football, offering fans a chance to see the world champions and Messi live on home soil.

Following the international break, Messi will now rejoin Inter Miami, where he is expected to feature in their MLS Eastern Conference playoff semifinal against FC Cincinnati.