Messi Still Ready For The 2026 World Cup, Scores And Assists When Argentina Wins In Angola

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi listed his name on the scoreboard and added an assist for Lautaro Martinez as Argentina won 2-0 over Angola in Luanda.

Angola reportedly paid $12 million to bring Argentina to the 50th anniversary of the African country's independence from Portugal.

More than 50,000 spectators attended the November 11, Angola Stadium, which was named after its independence day.

Messi left the pitch at the last minute greeted with applause.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is in the core line-up for the 2022 World Cup champion.

The Inter Miami forward showed his presence, first giving a through ball to Martinez who fired a low shot into the net two minutes before halftime.

It was Messi's ninth assist in his career for the Inter Milan striker, matching his most assists for one player in Argentina - with Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero.

Argentina sealed a win in the 82nd minute. This time, Martinez provided Messi with a clever feedback in the penalty area.

Messi then fired an accurate left foot shot into the side of the net.

Messi, who is eyeing his sixth World Cup next year, scored his 115th goal in 196 international games.

After leaving for Angola, Messi - with his team-mate, Rodrigo De Paul - will return to Miami to face FC Cincinnati in the MLS (Major League Soccer) playoffs in the semifinals of the Eastern Region.