Argentina coach lauds Angola after Messi-inspired victory

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni showed his class even after defeating Angola 2-0 on Friday in a friendly marking the African country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.

Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez scored for the FIFA World Cup reigning champions at 11 de Novembro National Stadium in Luanda.

At a pre-match press conference, the la Albiceleste coach chose to look at the positives from the Palancas Negras’ showing. Scolani said he was impressed by Angola’s athleticism, pace and physicality, describing meeting them as a learning curve.

“You always learn when you play a match against opponents you don’t know very well, and who are as physically strong as Angola,” the Argentina Football Association website quoted the coach saying.

What Argentina-led Messi learnt from Angola game

“It was a good test; they have fast players. I think we were up to the task, even though at certain moments we could have done better. We tried to play the match with our strengths; I also congratulated the opponent for their good game.”

Earlier, Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle stressed the importance of playing against such a high profile opposition ahead of major assignments.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the Angolan Football Federation paid €12 million to Argentina in appearance fees. The higher fee is partly due to Messi’s participation, which drew a huge crowd.

The Palancas Negras used the friendly to prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Angola share Group B alongside record champions Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

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