Lionel Messi and the Argentine national football team are set to arrive in Angola this week as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal. The team’s visit is part of a week-long celebration, which began with a military parade in Luanda on Tuesday. An exhibition game between Angola’s national team and Argentina is scheduled to take place on Friday at the 11 November Stadium.
The Angolan football federation has reportedly spent $13 million to attract Messi and his teammates. However, the team’s participation in the friendly match has been met with controversy. In August, four civil society groups urged the Argentine team to cancel their participation in the game, citing human rights concerns and systematic repression by Angolan authorities. The groups argued that withdrawing from the match would be a noble gesture of international solidarity.
Despite these concerns, Argentina’s squad will arrive in Angola on Thursday, with three players missing the friendly game due to their failure to receive the required yellow fever vaccine. A fourth player will also be absent due to an injury. The team’s visit has sparked debate, with some critics arguing that it legitimizes the Angolan government’s actions.
The 50th anniversary celebrations come at a time of social and economic challenges for Angola. The country has been facing protests against fuel price increases, which resulted in the deaths of 30 people in August. The government has been accused of using excessive force to quell the unrest.
The exhibition game is expected to be a major event, with thousands of fans attending the match. The Angolan government has seen the visit as an opportunity to promote the country’s image and attract international attention. However, the controversy surrounding the team’s participation has highlighted the complexities of sports diplomacy and the challenges of promoting human rights in international relations.
As Angola continues to celebrate its independence, the visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team has brought attention to the country’s human rights record and the role of sports in international relations. The event is likely to be closely watched by human rights groups and sports fans around the world.