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The Millions Angola Paid to Host Lionel Messi and Argentina
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Lionel Messi touched down in Angola for a friendly that puzzled many fans… until the price tag behind the match came to light. The world champions are here for a game worth millions.
A friendly with a multimillion-dollar price tag
Argentina closes the year with just one friendly — and surprisingly, it’s against Angola, a team that did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Many questioned why the reigning world champions, led by Lionel Messi, would travel so far for a single match… until the financial reality emerged.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Argentina will receive $12 million USD for the event, while the AFA claims the net amount is closer to $7 million after taxes. Either way, it’s a massive payout — the kind only a world champion with Messi as its captain can command.
A sold-out stadium… for just one dollar
The 11 de Novembro Stadium will be packed. 50,000 Angolan fans snapped up tickets priced at just $1 as part of the country’s celebration of 50 years of independence.
The match marks the first time Argentina has ever played in Angola. Their lone previous meeting came in 2006, in Salerno, where Argentina won 2–0 in a match featuring both Lionels on the pitch: Messi wearing the No.19 and Scaloni the No.13.
Messi to captain Argentina — but minutes may be limited
Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that he will field a lineup full of world champions, with Messi as captain, though he did not guarantee how long the star will play. With Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez out by choice — Scaloni wants to give his backup a chance — the goalkeeper for the night will be Gerónimo Rulli.
Juan Foyth returns at right-back, while up front Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada will join Messi. In midfield, the main question is Giovani Lo Celso or Nicolás Paz.
Key absences and new faces looking for minutes
Three Atlético de Madrid players — Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone— were excluded for not receiving the required yellow fever vaccine. Injuries also sidelined Enzo Fernández and Franco Mastantuono.
Scaloni hinted that several up-and-coming talents could feature in the second half, including Valentín Barco, Joaquín Panichelli, José López, Kevin Mac Allister, and Gianluca Prestianni.
Angola, potentially with Randy Nteka in the lineup, will try to stand tall against the world champions — in what has become one of the most expensive friendlies of the entire year.