Angola honored by the conceded goal — they asked for Messi, they got Messi

If you’ve been following the recent euphoria and the whole situation in Angola ahead of the friendly against Argentina, everything will make sense. It seems as though no more important foot has ever stepped on Angolan soil (at least in the modern era), and that very foot — that magical left one — both honored them and took its revenge by scoring a goal against them. Fans of this African country won’t be angry about this goal; they’ll be thrilled — the legendary Messi played in their country, on their stadium, and scored. Could it get any better?

The match was completely dominated by Argentina. Despite a physical battle and few clear-cut chances, Scaloni's team tactically outplayed the African side, which faded as the game progressed due to physical exertion.

In the 43rd minute of the first half, Inter’s striker Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in a tight match. After a precise assist from Messi, “El Toro” fired a right-footed shot into the corner to put Argentina ahead 1-0.

In the 81st minute, “El Toro” set up Lionel Messi to extend the lead. A powerful left-footed shot across goal from the Argentine star made it 2-0 for the national team. In the 86th minute, Joaquin Panichelli from Cordoba replaced Lionel Messi, making his debut for the Argentine national team. Two other debutants for the Albiceleste were Kevin MacAllister, Alexis’s brother, and Maximo Perrone.

The Argentine national team visited the young African nation as part of the celebrations for its 50th anniversary of independence. Scaloni’s squad arrived from a friendly tour in Miami, where they concluded with two victories: 1-0 against Venezuela and a resounding 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.

It should be noted that Angola did not qualify for the World Cup: they were eliminated after finishing fourth in Group D with 12 points, a group topped by Cape Verde.