Argentina FC faces Angola in historic friendly Friday, Messi shines in Spain training

Argentina faces Angola in a historic friendly this Friday. Lionel Messi captains the world champions for their final 2025 fixture. Over 20,000 fans packed training in Spain yesterday. The Estadio 11 de Novembro match kicks off at 11 a.m. ET.

What Happened: The World Champions Arrive

Argentina wrapped up their international calendar with a stunning training display in Elche, Spain on November 13. The open session drew over 20,085 fans to watch the reigning World Cup victors prepare.

Lionel Messi stole the show when he received an Elche jersey with his name and iconic No. 10. His reaction spread instantly across social media. Fans chanted “Messi, Messi” as he scored during a finishing drill. The stadium erupted like it was a championship match.

“What was supposed to be a routine practice became a global spectacle.”

The Martínez Valero stadium transformed into what felt like a World Cup final. Giant screens displayed Argentina’s flag while “Muchachos” blared through speakers.

Why This Matters: Angola’s 50th Anniversary Moment

This friendly isn’t just another matchup. Angola is celebrating 50 years of independence from Portugal. The nation invested heavily to make this event unforgettable. The $13 million spent signals Angola’s commitment to a historic night.

For Messi fans, this is crucial. The match wraps up Argentina’s entire 2025 schedule. It’s the final chance to see him represent his country this year. His presence elevates the occasion globally.

Angola views this game as a centerpiece of their independence celebrations. The 11 November Stadium was deliberately chosen for its symbolic name. It marks Angola’s independence day with pride and tradition.

The Details: Team Lineup and Match Information

Argentina travels to Luanda on Thursday. However, four players won’t participate. Three failed to receive required yellow fever vaccines. One player sits out due to injury. This reduces Argentina’s squad depth slightly.

Match Detail	Information
Date & Time	Friday, Nov 14, 5:00 PM local
US Time	11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT
Venue	Estadio 11 de Novembro (50,000 capacity)
Captain	Lionel Messi (expected to lead)
Broadcast	Multiple international channels

Messi is expected to feature prominently. He recently visited Camp Nou in Barcelona. He voiced his desire to return “one day” to his spiritual home.

What Happens Next: The Road Ahead

• Argentina concludes their 2025 international fixtures after this match
• World Cup 2026 qualifying matches resume in early 2026
• Messi will return to Inter Miami for the MLS season
• Angola celebrates their 50th independence anniversary all week
• Friendly match serves as final tune-up before 2026 qualifiers begin

Will Messi Shine Again Against Angola on Friday?

Messi’s recent performances suggest yes. He dominated during training in Spain with 20,000+ fans watching. His goal in the finishing drill proved he’s sharp and motivated.

At 37 years old, he continues performing at elite levels. His leadership matters just as much as his goals. He captains Argentina with authority and experience.

The question isn’t whether Messi will play, but how dominant he’ll be. Angola will face the world’s greatest player on their most important evening. Will you tune in to witness history?

Sources

• beIN Sports – Comprehensive coverage of Argentina training spectacle in Spain
• Africanews – Angola independence celebration and friendly match details
• ESPN – Match schedule, time zones, and broadcast information