Angola brace for Messi-led Argentina showdown

There is a buzz of excitement in Angolan capital Luanda following the arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi.

The record Ballon d’Or winner jetted in on Thursday alongside his Argentina team-mates for Friday’s showdown with the Palancas Negras.

The former Barcelona icon rarely comes to Africa hence most Angolans are said to be excited with the prospect of watching the legend in flesh.

The Angolans host la Albiceleste at 11 de Novembro National Stadium for a friendly marking the country’s 50th Anniversary Independence Celebrations.

Angola coach comments on prospect of meeting Messi

Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle has since declared that his team is ready to take on Messi and company.

Addressing the press on Thursday, the Portuguese mentor shared the mood in camp highlighting how meeting Argentina was a source of motivation on its own.

“Every Angolan will bring their support to the Palancas Negras,” the coach is quoted as saying by Angolan news website Correiokianda.

“Having Argentina in Angola, we will make it a temple. Argentina only came to Africa in 2010, in South Africa. Holding this game in Luanda, we are very happy to have this opportunity to play with this team. We will fight and show that Angola also has very beautiful football, with very talented players who can make the difference.”

Beaumelle has since challenged his players to rise up to the occasion to prove to the Argentines that Angola has talented players.

“If we want to play in the next World Cup, we have to compete sometimes with this type of team to see where we stand and where we need to improve,” the coach added.

Unconfirmed reports say the Angolan Football Federation FAF has agreed to pay €12 million to Argentina in appearance fees. The higher fee is due to Messi’s expected participation, which is likely to draw a huge crowd.

The Palancas Negras will use 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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