Lionel Messi and Argentina Spark Outrage in Angola

This afternoon, Argentina will face Angola at 5 PM IST. It’s a prestigious match for the African nation, currently ranked 90th in the FIFA standings. With 50,000 tickets for the November 11 Stadium selling out quickly, prices in the black market may drastically increase, being reported as 20 times more expensive in some cases. However, not everyone in Angola supports this friendly match, which is part of the celebrations for the country’s 50th independence anniversary. Last summer, before the match was officially confirmed, several activist groups reached out to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) requesting the team to reconsider its participation. These activists aimed to protest against a government that has systematically repressed its citizens during demonstrations, resulting in the deaths of several Angolans. They hoped to see the world champions withdraw, viewing it as a “noble gesture of international solidarity and respect for human rights.”

However, the €12 million promised by Angola to AFA made a significant impact. Lionel Messi is expected to start this afternoon. The event has understandably sparked indignation across the country, according to today’s edition of O Jogo. Angolans are not wealthy, and spending around €17 million on this match, plus travel, accommodation, and security costs, is seen as outrageous. The Portuguese media reports that many citizens plan to shout “we are hungry” during the game. This expression of discontent is likely to face opposition from the authorities, as the Angolan newspaper Novo Jornal states that “the government has already coordinated with security forces (3,000 agents will be deployed for the event) to suppress any protests during the match.” The atmosphere is tense.