Angola’s confirmation of Lionel Messi’s participation in a celebratory friendly match has ignited significant public outcry over the reported multimillion-dollar costs amidst widespread poverty.
The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) confirmed Wednesday that Messi, along with World Cup winners Rodrigo de Paul and Nicolás Otamendi, will play in Luanda on November 14 to mark Angola’s 50 years of independence.
However, the event has drawn sharp criticism regarding its expenses, which the Angolan government has not publicly detailed. Opposition parties and civil society groups contend the costs are excessive given the country’s economic struggles.
The main opposition party, UNITA, estimated the total expenditure at approximately $20 million. It contrasted this sum with a population “dying of malaria and hunger.”
Civil society organizations have separately placed the cost associated with the Argentine team’s visit at roughly $6.4 million.
Angolan activist groups previously urged the Argentine Football Association and Messi in August to cancel the match. This appeal followed riots in the capital that resulted in 30 deaths.
Activists described their plea as “a cry of conscience in the face of the painful reality experienced by millions of Angolans.” They argued this reality starkly contrasts with “the ostentation and millionaire expenses in organizing the event.”
Ticket sales for the friendly are scheduled to begin Saturday in Luanda. Prices are expected to range from approximately $1 to more than $5,000, according to FAF Vice-President Paulo Magueijo.
Magueijo defended the pricing, stating, “The game is in high demand, we will use electronic tickets. These are acceptable prices.” He added that the Argentine delegation, comprising 84 people, will arrive in Luanda on November 13 for a two-day visit.
The match will be played at the Estádio 11 de Novembro (November 11 Stadium) in Luanda, which has a capacity for 50,000 spectators. Angola and Argentina have met once before, in a 2006 friendly match in Italy, which Argentina won 2-0.