Angola: Lionel Messi welcomed as a hero (video)
Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team received a grand welcome in Luanda, Angola, ahead of a special friendly match. Fans rolled out the red carpet for the Inter Miami superstar and FC Barcelona legend.
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The event was organized by the Angolan state, with an estimated budget of €12 million, giving locals the chance to see Messi play live. On Thursday night, many stayed up late to catch a glimpse of the 38-year-old as he arrived at the hotel.
The match is set for November 14 at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, which can host nearly 50,000 spectators. This stadium is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence. Historically, Angola and Argentina have faced each other only once—on May 30, 2006, in Salerno, Italy, ahead of the World Cup in Germany. Argentina won 2-0, with Messi coming on in the 68th minute.
