Angola pays $14M for Messi

In mid-November, the Argentine national team will travel to Luanda to play a friendly match against Angola. This fixture marks the 50th anniversary of the African nation’s independence, a significant milestone that led the Angolan government to negotiate the visit of the reigning world champions.

Meanwhile, hosting players of the calibre of Messi, Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez does not come cheaply.

According to Sport News Africa, Angola has paid approximately €12 million (about US $13.9 million) to the AFA to bring them to the country for this historic event, in a nation where football is a major passion and a rapidly growing sport that draws massive crowds.

Other national teams, such as Morocco, had shown interest in facing the three-time world champions during this international break. However, the multi-million-dollar offer, which other media outlets such as DW reported at a lower figure of around €5 million (≈ US $5.8 million), tipped the scales in favour of Argentina heading to Luanda.

Following an impeccable qualifying campaign and with group preparations nearly complete, coach Scaloni will use this international break to give opportunities to players who are not regulars in his squads but could have a chance at next year’s World Cup. The superstar Leo Messi will almost certainly be included, provided the payment revealed by the African media outlet goes through.

Names like Valentín Barco and Panichelli, who are excelling at Strasbourg, Máximo Perrone of Como, or Lauraro Rivero of River Plate could have the chance to knock on the door of La Albiceleste. Others, such as Nico Paz or Franco Mastantuono, could reaffirm that they are serious candidates for the 2026 World Cup.