Angola v Argentina: Confirmed line-ups as Lionel Messi starts in controversial friendly

Argentina are in Angola this afternoon for the latest in a series of lucrative friendlies.

Since becoming world champions in Qatar three years ago, the Albiceleste have embarked on a number of money-spinning games around the globe with today’s fixture forming a central part of Angola’s festivities to mark 50 years of independence from Portugal.

Argentina have been paid a reported $6million to take part, causing outrage among civil rights groups in Angola who believe the money would be better spent on the near 13 million residents who live in poverty.

For Lionel Messi, it’s a first return to Africa in national team colours since the 2010 World Cup when Argentina, under Diego Maradona, were hammered 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.

He did return with Barcelona for a friendly with the Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018.

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ANGOLA TEAM NEWS

Angola: Hugo Marques, To Carneiro, Kialonda Gaspar, Rui Modesto, Jonathan Buatu, Fredy, Zito Luvumbo, Maestro, M’Bala Nzola, Gelson Dala, Chico Banza

ARGENTINA TEAM NEWS

Atletico Madrid and Argentina trio Julian Alvarez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone have remained in Spain after failing to complete the yellow fever vaccination process in time.

Enzo Fernandez and Franco Mastantuono are injured while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been rested.

Argentina: Gerónimo Rulli; Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Nicolás González, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso; Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez

How to watch Angola v Argentina: TV and online streams

Angola versus Argentina kicks off this afternoon at 4pm UK time. It is not available to watch in the UK.

In South America, it can be viewed on fuboTV and TyC Sports Internacional.

Stats for Angola v Argentina

• The teams have met just once before, Argentina winning 2-0 in a friendly in 2006

Will these two teams be at the World Cup?

Argentina will after cruising through the Conmebol qualifying section. Lionel Scaloni’s side finished top with 38 points from 18 games, nine ahead of second-placed Ecuador and 10 in front of a quartet of teams that included Brazil.

Angola, ranked 89th in the world, won’t be in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer after finishing fourth in Group D of CAF qualifying.