Messi and argentina to Headline Angola‘s Golden Jubilee Independence Festivity
Luanda, angola – November 12, 2025 – Lionel Messi and the Argentine national football team are in Angola this week as the nation marks 50 years of independence from Portugal with a series of celebratory events. The World Cup champions will participate in a special exhibition match against Angola’s national team on Friday, marking a high point in the country’s golden jubilee commemorations.
Angola gained independence on November 11, 1975, following a prolonged struggle against Portuguese colonial rule. Though, the newly formed nation was promptly plunged into a devastating civil war that lasted until 2002, claiming the lives of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people.Despite this turbulent past, Angola has emerged as a meaningful oil producer and has been governed continuously since independence by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola.
celebrations officially began Wednesday with a flag-raising ceremony at Republic Square in Luanda, presided over by President João Lourenço. The exhibition match, reportedly costing $13 million to secure Argentina‘s participation, will be held at the 11 November Stadium – named in commemoration of the country’s independence day.
The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Angola on thursday, according to the Argentine football federation. The event underscores Angola’s growing international profile and its commitment to celebrating its hard-won sovereignty.
