Messi Sparks Argentina to a 2-0 Friendly Win Over Angola in Luanda

Match Summary

Messi led Argentina, the reigning world champions, to a 2-0 victory over Angola in Luanda, scoring one goal and providing the other during Friday's friendly.

The opener arrived in the 44th minute when Lautaro Martínez finished a fine pass from Messi, and the captain later combined with Martínez in the 82nd minute to seal the result.

Martínez's finish came from a powerful close-range strike past veteran keeper Hugo Marques, while Messi capped the display with a precise shot into the far corner, underscoring Argentina's technical edge.

Details and Reactions

Both players were substituted late in the second half as coach Lionel Scaloni gave several substitutes a taste of international action and experience.

The match was staged at Luanda's National Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence, attracting officials and diplomatic delegations.

Outlook

Argentina now looks ahead to defending their World Cup title in the United States, Mexico, and Canada after topping South American qualifying with 38 points (12 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses), nine points ahead of Ecuador.

Angola heads to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (Dec 21-Jan 18), placed in Group B with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt, facing a stern continental challenge.

Angola's World Cup dream remains elusive; they finished fourth in their African qualifying group, two wins from ten games, trailing Cape Verde’s historic breakthrough.

Argentina’s performance highlighted their control of play, with Messi displaying leadership and Martínez exploiting space behind the Angolan defence; Angola pressed but struggled to translate pressure into sustained attacks.

Scaloni will have opportunities to evaluate players and test tactics ahead of upcoming fixtures, including World Cup preparations.

Messi recently told Sports newspaper that Barcelona is more than a club to him: "I belong to this city and this club since childhood; Barcelona isn't just a club, but the city is part of me." He added that he still follows Barcelona with former teammates and discusses matches and results.

Continuity secret: "As long as I enjoy it and feel fit, I will keep playing with the same spirit. I don’t like losing, and every time I take the field I want to win."

Sniper punchline 1: Messi's left foot has more assists than my last 10 group chats had messages—each one a clean pass to the back of the net.

Sniper punchline 2: If defending were an Olympic sport, Angola would still be taking notes as Messi signs the scoreline with a autograph on the net.