This is what $14 million buys: selfies, blood, and a lot of Lionel Messi

Argentina defeated Angola 2-0 in what has already been called the $14 million friendly. Lionel Messi set up one goal and scored another, proving why the match lived up to its hefty price tag.

In Luanda, Messi was greeted like a national hero. On the field, the Argentine captain stole the spotlight as the teams prepared to kick off at Estádio 11 de Novembro. Even Angola’s president took the chance to meet the superstar. The result was never in doubt, as Argentina cruised to a 2-0 victory.

A friendly more for photos than play

The match offered little in the way of drama. It felt designed for Argentina and Messi to fill a stadium more focused on selfies and souvenirs than the action on the pitch. On the field, Argentina played with the casual flair of a pickup game, while Messi’s every touch seemed to turn him into a local celebrity.

Angola approached the match with more seriousness. Despite the skill gap, the hosts tried to keep pace. They apologized for each overly aggressive challenge, but they could not match Argentina’s rhythm. Still, the Argentine team didn’t struggle to break through. Just before halftime, Messi provided the assist for Lautaro Martínez to give Argentina a 1-0 lead and justify the friendly.

Second-half friction in Angola

The second half followed the same relaxed pattern but saw more physical play. Thiago Almada took a hard hit that left the Atlético Madrid player bleeding, but the game’s flow remained unchanged. As if scripted, Messi scored in the 86th minute to seal the win. His goal, which may have been offside, capped the match and marked the end of Argentina’s international tour, which passed quietly for the reigning world champions.