Argentina’s national football team has arrived in Angola for a long-awaited friendly match that has left many football fans around the world curious — not because of the opponent, but because of the extraordinary amount of money involved. With Lionel Messi leading the world champions, this trip has become one of the most expensive international friendlies of the year.
A Multimillion-Dollar Deal Behind a Simple Friendly
At first glance, Argentina’s decision to end the year with a single friendly match against Angola surprised many. Angola did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the long journey raised questions among supporters and analysts.
However, the financial details soon made everything clear.
Argentina will earn around $12 million USD, according to Mundo Deportivo
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) says the final amount after taxes is closer to $7 million
Either figure places the match among the highest-paid friendlies in recent football history
This level of payment is reserved for only a handful of teams in global football — and Argentina, led by Messi, sit firmly at the top of that list.
Sources: Mundo Deportivo; AFA statements.
A $1 Ticket Sparks a Nationwide Celebration in Angola
The match will be played at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, where 50,000 fans are expected to fill every seat. In a symbolic gesture tied to Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary, match tickets were sold for just $1 each.
This historic meeting marks:
Argentina’s first-ever match in Angola
The first time the world champions have visited the African nation
Their only previous encounter took place in 2006 in Salerno, where Argentina won 2–0
That match famously featured both Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni on the pitch as players
Messi Confirmed as Captain — But His Playing Time May Be Limited
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that he will field a strong team filled with world champions.
Expected Highlights:
Lionel Messi will start as captain, though Scaloni did not guarantee how many minutes he will play
Gerónimo Rulli will start in goal, as Scaloni wants to give him a chance in place of Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez
Juan Foyth returns at right-back
Up front, Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Thiago Almada are expected to lead the attack
The main selection question in midfield involves Giovani Lo Celso versus Nicolás Paz, who are competing for a spot in the starting XI.
Key Absences and Young Talents Ready to Step In
Several notable players will miss the match, due to either medical requirements or injuries.
Players Ruled Out:
Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)
Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
All excluded for not receiving the mandatory yellow fever vaccination.Injured Players:
Enzo Fernández
Franco Mastantuono
New Faces Looking for Opportunities
Scaloni hinted at giving valuable match minutes to a number of rising stars, especially in the second half:
Valentín Barco
Joaquín Panichelli
José López
Kevin Mac Allister
Gianluca Prestianni
These youngsters will have the rare opportunity to play alongside world champions on an international stage.
Angola Ready for the Challenge
Angola may include Randy Nteka in their starting lineup as they face the world champions. For Angola, this match is not only about celebration but also a chance to compete at the highest level in front of a passionate home crowd.
Given the financial investment and global attention, this has become one of the most high-profile — and expensive — international friendlies of 2025.
Sources Referenced:
Mundo Deportivo
Statements from the Argentine Football Association (AFA)
Historical match records
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