Argentina Vs Angola Highlights, International Friendly: ARG 2-0 ANG; Lionel Messi Nets Late Goal In Albiceleste Win

The match kicks off at 9:30pm IST. The Argentina vs Angola, international friendly game will not be telecast or live streamed on any platform in India. It will be shown on TyC Sports Play, mitelefe, Telefe Argentina and TyC Sports Argentina in Argentina, and on TPA, ZAP in Angola.

Yes, Argentina's talisman and global superstar Lionel Messi will be involved in today's game, as confirmed by head coach Lionel Scaloni. "Messi is going to play. Right now, I don't know how many minutes. It's going to be from the start and then we'll see. But people will see tomorrow," Scaloni had said yesterday.

Matches: 1

Argentina: 1

Angola: 0

Argentina- Rulli; Foyth, Romero, Tagliafico, Gonzalez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Almada; Messi, Martinez.

Angola- Marques; Modesto, Gaspar, Buatu, Carneiro; Fredy, Maestro; Luvumbo, Nzola, Banza; Dala

The players are on the field, national anthem done, handshakes done, and the match kicks-off as the whistles is blown.

Angola is celebrating their 50th Independence year and this friendly encounter between Argentina and Angola marks the celebration of this historic feat. Lionel Messi's participation makes it even more special turning it into a global spectacle

Despite having a lion's share of possession, more than 60 per cent, Argentina, the world champions, have managed only two shots and one hitting the target

Here it is! The first goal of the match has finally been scored just minutes before the half-time. Lionel Messi gives a beautiful through ball to Martinez who finishes it beautifully into the nets. Argentina is now leading 1-0.

It has been a tightly fought contest so far despite Argentina being the much stronger team between the two, Angola has given a tough fight to them. But Messi & Co. are having their say in the mid-field with short passes, a starc contrast to Angola's direct game which translates in the scoreline

Lionel Messi is set to arrive in India for the 'Goat Tour 2025' in which he'll attend matches, concerts and functions across all four regions of India- East, West, North and South. He will also Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the end of the tour.

The players are back on the field and the whistle is blown as the 2nd half of ARG vs ANG begins. Angola will be looking to level the score while Argentina will be looking to assert their dominance and show why they are the World champions.

Lionel Messi comes close to scoring twice, but first misses to the top left corner and then has his shot blocked. He was assisted by Rodrigo De Paul on both occasions. Meanwhile, Kevin Mac Allister comes in for Giovani Lo Celso in the 60th minute for Argentina.

Play comes to a halt as Argentine winger Thiago Almada gets injured. He is eventually substituted by Emiliano Buendia in the 70th minute, while Nurio Fortuna comes in for Chico Banza for Angola.

Messi magic in the 82nd minute! After threatening to score a few times, the Argentine legend finally finds the back of the net, set up by Lautaro Martínez once again and drilling it in from his left foot. That more or less seals the fate of the match as well.

Having done his job and dazzled the spectators by scoring, Lionel Messi steps off the pitch in the 86th minute and Joaquin Panichelli replaces him. Two more changes for Argentina, as Jose Lopez comes in for the other goal-scorer Lautaro Martinez, and Gianluca Prestianni substitutes Nico Gonzalez. Four minutes of injury time added, meanwhile.

The referee blows the final whistle, and Argentina expectedly emerge victorious. The margin is 2-0, with Lautaro Martinez and talisman Lionel Messi scoring, and Scaloni's men sign off 2025 with a bang.