- Angola vs Argentina in a landmark friendly on November 14, 2025, celebrating Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence. (African Football)
- The match is set to take place at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. (African Football)
- Lionel Messi leads a 24-player Argentine squad, though some key players will be absent due to vaccine issues. (NDTV Sports)
- Three Atletico Madrid players — Julian Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone — won’t travel to Angola because they haven’t completed their yellow fever vaccination requirement. (Reuters)
- The Angolan Football Federation reportedly paid €12 million to bring Argentina — including a guaranteed appearance by Messi. (Diario AS)
- Kick-off time is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, and the game will be broadcast on channels such as TyC Sports and beIN SPORTS. (Yahoo Sports)
Importance
Angola vs Argentina isn’t just another friendly — it’s a historic and symbolic event. Angola’s 50th independence anniversary is being marked with a high-profile exhibition match, underlining both national pride and international football diplomacy. (African Football)
For Angola, the game is a major opportunity: it helps the national team “Palancas Negras” test themselves against world-class competition ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while also providing a spectacle for fans. (African Football)
For Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni, this match serves as a chance to experiment with squad depth. The 24-player lineup includes several new faces, signaling that the manager is balancing between maintaining elite performance and building for future tournaments. (Mundo Albiceleste)
Squad News, Controversies And Key Absences
- Messi’s inclusion is confirmed, and he’s expected to feature in Luanda. (NDTV Sports)
- However, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, is not part of the squad due to injury. (NDTV Sports)
- The three Atlético Madrid players — Álvarez, Molina, and Simeone — were dropped because they didn’t complete the yellow fever vaccination, which is mandatory for entry into Angola. (Reuters)
- Argentina also added Kevin Mac Allister and Emiliano Buendía to the squad for the trip. (Mundo Albiceleste)
Financial And Logistical Dimensions
The price tag for the friendly is eye-catching: €12 million, according to several reports. (Diario AS) This enormous investment by Angola underscores how significant football is for the country’s 50-year celebration — but it’s also sparked debate among some Angolan observers about whether the funds could be better used elsewhere. (Reddit)
How to Watch
- Date & Time: November 14, 2025, 16:00 GMT (Foot Africa)
- Venue: Estádio 11 de Novembro, Luanda, Angola (African Football)
- Broadcast: Available on TyC Sports and beIN SPORTS. (Yahoo Sports)
- Given Argentina’s recent form and depth, they are heavily favored to dominate play and possibly rotate key starters. (TheHardTackle.com)
- For Angola, it’s a test of ambition: can they use this match not just for celebration, but to build momentum and sharpen their squad ahead of the AFCON 2025? (African Football)
- And symbolically, the match is much more than sport — it’s a showcase of national pride and a statement on the global football stage.
Final Thoughts
This Angola vs Argentina friendly is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile exhibition matches in African football this year. With Messi in action, a big financial commitment, and the context of Angola’s 50th independence anniversary, it marries sport, diplomacy, and spectacle.
For Angola, it’s not just a game — it’s a statement. For Argentina, it’s a blend of legacy and future planning.
