Atlético Madrid Stars Out, Argentina Ready: The Yellow Fever Hiccup in Angola

What happened

The Argentine Football Association announced on Tuesday that the Atlético Madrid trio Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina and Gio Simeone will miss Argentina's friendly against Angola on Friday after failing to complete yellow fever vaccination procedures in time.

The federation said the players did not finish the health procedures related to the yellow fever vaccine, a requirement to enter Angola, within the scheduled window.

Argentina, already qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will face Angola in Luanda.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is present in some African and South American countries. Travelers to those regions should be vaccinated to prevent infection.

Star Lionel Messi has named the Argentina squad for the Angola match while coach Lionel Scaloni called up several new faces, including Strasbourg striker Joaquin Banisheli, the Ligue 1 top scorer with nine goals in 11 matches.

Scaloni, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, selected 24 players for the trip to Luanda for this celebratory match marking 50 years of independence.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was rested, with Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez stepping in as replacements.

Scaloni also left out other regulars such as Leandro Paredes, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero, Gonzalo Montiel and Facundo Campis due to club commitments in decisive domestic rounds.

Captain Leonardo Baleri and Franco Mastantuno were also omitted due to injuries, while Joaquín Banisheli received his first call-up alongside Gianluca Prestiani and Maximo Perroni.

The Argentina squad will begin training in Elche, Spain, before heading to Luanda for the only warm-up of this international window, after India’s match was scrapped.

Reports say Angola spent 12 million euros to host the World champions.

Messi’s Miami honor and the broader context

At an American Business Forum in a Kasia Center, Lionel Messi received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suárez, a high level honour for the star who has since become a local icon.

Messi said it was an enormous honour and expressed gratitude for the love and support shown in the city. The mayor added that the award recognized his contributions to the city, country and football at large.

Jorge Mas, Inter Miami owner, commented on Messis impact and recalled the difficult transition from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain before moving to MLS, noting how welcoming the Miami community has been.

Messi reflected on his Paris years, explaining that moving away from Barcelona was challenging for family life, but that he and his family adapted over time and embraced life in Miami. He described the decision to join Inter Miami as a family choice and highlighted the warmth of the reception since arriving in the city.

Since joining Inter Miami on 15 July 2023, Messi quickly made history by helping the club win its first major trophy, the MLS Cup, shortly after his arrival. He also helped the team secure the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and has consistently been among MLS season leaders in points and accolades.

Individually, Messi won MLS MVP for 2024, the 2025 Golden Boot, and remained in the mix for 2025 Player of the Year. His contract runs through 2025, with a fresh three-year extension keeping him in South Florida through 2028.

Looking ahead, Messi and Inter Miami are gearing up for the first-round playoff series against Nashville SC at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium.

Punchline 1: If vaccines came with a trophy shelf, these three would be first on it — but for now they’ll settle for being a shot not taken in time. Punchline 2: In football as in travel planning, timing is everything; Messi keeps scoring and the vaccination schedule keeps us guessing, but at least the jokes travel well.