Messi Set to Face Angola as Argentina Star Seeks to Extend Perfect Record Against African Teams

By WOBET On Nov 13, 2025

Argentina will meet Angola in Luanda in a rare one-match international window, with global attention fixed once again on Lionel Messi. The world champions, unable to secure a second opponent for this FIFA date, will play only the Angolans—a fixture built largely around the presence of their captain, whose participation has been a key factor in finalising the event. According to local reports, the match will coincide with Angola’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations and will bring a substantial financial return for the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

Messi’s Unbroken Streak Against African Rivals

Messi, now at Inter Miami, enters the match with an immaculate record against African opposition. Across all age categories, he has faced teams from the continent 10 times, and won every encounter. The numbers underline his dominance: nine goals, three assists, and direct involvement in 12 goals, averaging 1.2 goal contributions per match.

The Rosario native’s history against African teams dates back to 2005, when he first faced Egypt at the U20 World Cup. His performances in those years set the tone for what would become a recurring theme in his international career: decisive contributions on the biggest stages against African rivals.

Career Milestones Linked to African Opponents

Several pivotal moments in Messi’s international journey have come in clashes against African nations. His first major international trophy, the 2005 U20 World Cup, was secured after victories over Egypt in the semi-finals and Nigeria in the final, where he scored a decisive brace.

In 2008, Messi again met Nigeria on the path to glory, this time in the gold medal match of the Beijing Olympic Games. His assist to Ángel Di María helped Argentina clinch the Olympic title, following a group-stage win over Ivory Coast where Messi registered a goal and an assist.

With the senior national team, Messi’s ties to African rivals, particularly Nigeria, remain memorable. His brace at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and his crucial goal in a tense 2018 World Cup group match in Russia, stand among his most iconic World Cup moments.

A Familiar Foe Awaits in Luanda

As Argentina prepare for their lone fixture of this international window, Angola become the latest African side to face Messi, a challenge historically met with clinical response from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His previous friendly against Angola, a 2–0 win for Argentina, adds another layer of familiarity to the encounter.

Messi’s Matches for Argentina vs African Opposition