Lionel Messi created a sensation in Angola, drawing massive crowds during Argentina's friendly match held to commemorate the nation's 50th year of independence. Angola's government paid the Argentine Football Association 14 million USD to ensure Messi's participation as a special gift to its citizens.

Messi receives a gift from Angolan President Joao Lourenco (left) before Argentina's match against Angola at the 11 de Novembro stadium in Luanda, 14/11. Photo: FlashScore

The superstar's presence drew immense public interest. On 13/11, a day before the match, 25,000 spectators flocked to the 11 de Novembro stadium for Argentina's training session. The stadium, named after Angola's National Day, then hosted 43,000 fans for the match on the evening of 14/11 in Luanda.

Messi, playing 86 minutes, did not disappoint, delivering two pivotal moments. He first assisted Lautaro Martinez for the opening goal in the 44th minute, marking his 401st career assist and bringing him closer to Ferenc Puskas' world record of 404.

Later, in the 81st minute, the 38-year-old superstar scored with a left-footed shot from inside the box, sealing a 2-0 victory. This marked Messi's first goal in a match played on African soil. He had previously been scoreless for 450 minutes across five matches during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and a 2008 friendly in Egypt was played without him.

His remarkable career statistics include involvement in 1,296 goals, comprising 895 goals and 401 assists, across 1,134 club and national team appearances. Even in his later career, this season alone has seen Messi score 46 goals and provide 24 assists in 53 matches.

Before the match, Angolan President Joao Lourenco presented Messi with a gift resembling the World Cup trophy, engraved with the number 50, symbolizing the nation's 50 years of independence.

The enthusiasm extended beyond the stadium, as Angolan citizens lined the streets to cheer for the Argentine team's motorcade in Luanda. The scenes echoed the fervent celebrations when Messi and his teammates returned to Argentina after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Hoang An compiled