Defending world champions Argentina are set to visit Luanda this Friday to take on Angola in a special match commemorating the African nation’s 50th year of independence.
The holders of the World Cup title aim to finish their 2025 international fixtures on a high note with this eagerly anticipated friendly encounter.
Argentina XI vs Angola – Predicted lineup and team news
Argentina team news
Coach Lionel Scaloni has named a competitive 24-man squad for the closing game of Argentina’s 2025 campaign. Argentina are led by captain Lionel Messi, despite his commitments with Inter Miami’s MLS playoff run. The 38-year-old forward continues to impress, having netted 34 goals and provided 17 assists in 31 appearances this year.
Unfortunately, the squad will be without three Atletico Madrid players — Julián Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Nahuel Molina — all sidelined due to not fulfilling Angola’s yellow fever vaccination requirements. Midfielder Enzo Fernández has also pulled out.
Among the fresh faces, Emiliano Buendía makes his return to the national team after three years away. The Aston Villa star has stood out this season with three goals and two assists in nine Premier League matches, recently dazzling with a superb free-kick against Bournemouth.
Scaloni has also included newcomers like Strasbourg striker Joaquín Panichelli, with an impressive 10 goals in 12 games this season, and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who made a mark at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Additionally, young talents Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone from Como join the squad, alongside experienced Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Argentina predicted lineup
Possible Argentina starting XI: Gerónimo Rulli; Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás González.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 3pm BST on Friday, 14th November.
How to watch Angola vs Argentina?
Fans in the UK can catch the Angola vs Argentina showdown live on the ESPN UK channel, which will offer comprehensive coverage of this significant international friendly.
Read Also – Five forgotten England internationals who need January moves
See More – The best cheap wonderkids to sign in Football Manager 2026
