Angola Clashes with Argentina in Must-Watch International Friendly: Complete Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Argentina conclude their calendar year schedule on Friday with a visit to Angola for an international friendly match.
The Albiceleste continue preparing for their World Cup title defense by facing the African underdogs, and they're anticipated to comfortably defeat FIFA's 89th-ranked nation. Argentina, who clinched their spot for next summer's competition back in March, arrive in Belas following friendly wins against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October.
Lionel Scaloni's team had arranged another friendly on Nov.17 against fellow World Cup participants Australia in India, but that match's cancellation means Angola will serve as Argentina's last examination before the upcoming international window in March.
These nations have met just once before, with Argentina claiming a 2–0 friendly victory in 2006. Lionel Messi entered as a substitute in that encounter and is expected to participate in Friday's match, earning his 187th cap for his country. Scaloni himself also came on as a replacement in that triumph over Angola nearly two decades ago.
Angola, who failed to secure World Cup qualification for North America, will likely dread facing the reigning champions despite remaining undefeated in their previous three outings. Patrice Beaumelle, appointed only after the September international break, has managed draws with Eswatini and Cameroon thus far, but will probably suffer his first loss on Friday.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter between Angola and Argentina.
What Time Does Angola vs. Argentina Kick-Off?
Angola vs. Argentina Head-to-Head Record (All Time)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Angola | Argentina |
|---|---|
Cameroon 0–0 Angola - 10/13/25 | Puerto Rico 0–6 Argentina - 10/14/25 |
Eswatini 2–2 Angola - 10/8/25 | Argentina 1–0 Venezuela - 10/10/25 |
Angola 3–1 Mauritius - 9/9/25 | Ecuador 1–0 Argentina -9/9/25 |
Angola 0–1 Libya - 9/4/25 | Argentina 3–0 Venezuela - 9/4/25 |
Angola 0–2 DR Congo - 8/14/25 | Argentina 1–1 Colombia - 6/10/25 |
How to Watch Angola vs. Argentina on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Fanatiz USA, fuboTV, TyC Sports Internacional |
United Kingdom | N/A |
Canada | N/A |
Mexico | N/A |
Angola Team News
Beaumelle has deployed a four-defender setup in both matches since taking charge of Angola and despite considerations to employ a five-man backline to counter Argentina's offensive firepower, the French coach may continue with the 4-4-2 formation he utilized against Eswatini.
AEK Athens striker Zini is included in the roster despite a recent injury that has kept him out since September, but will likely accept a substitute role with prolific Al Ahli Tripoli forward Mabululu spearheading the attack—possibly partnered with Swansea City loanee Manuel Benson.
Goalkeeper Neblú will probably be shielded by Lyon's Clinton Mata and Real Oviedo's David Carmo among others in the defensive line, while Cagliari's Zito Luvumbo and Red Star Belgrade's Milson may occupy the wide attacking positions.
Angola Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina
Angola predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-4-2): Neblú; Mata, Gaspar, Carmo, Carneiro; Luvumbo, Fredy, Beni, Milson; Benson, Mabululu.
Argentina Team News
Messi is included among the Argentina stars set to face Angola on Friday, with the 38-year-old accompanied by players like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González in the forward line. Strasbourg's Joaquín Panichelli and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni represent unexpected selections, with both potentially earning their senior debuts.
Enzo Fernández is a significant absence in the midfield due to a knee problem, but Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovanni Lo Celso are among the prominent central midfielders selected. Como's rising talent Nico Paz has received another call-up after appearing twice in October, while Emiliano Buendía's impressive recent performances for Aston Villa have earned him inclusion for the first time since 2022.
Buendía's teammate Emiliano Martínez is absent from the goalkeeper selections as he receives a well-deserved break, while Atlético Madrid trio Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone and Julián Alvarez have all been forced to withdraw after failing to complete required medical protocols for entering Angola concerning yellow fever vaccination.
Kevin Mac Allister, Alexis's brother, has been summoned as a replacement and could earn his national team debut in a defense that also includes players like Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero.
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Angola
Argentina predicted lineup vs. Angola (4-4-2): Rulli; Foyth, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Paz, De Paul, A. Mac Allister, González; Messi, Martínez.
Angola vs. Argentina Score Prediction
Argentina netted six consecutive goals against Puerto Rico last month and while they'll encounter tougher resistance from Angola, they should anticipate another dominant performance in their year-ending fixture.
A formidable starting eleven is expected to take the field in Belas and will almost certainly cruise to victory if they perform at even a fraction of their typical level, with Angola having already lost to teams like Libya, DR Congo and Cape Verde in 2025.
The African nation struggles to find the net regularly and will face significant challenges against Argentina's solid defensive unit. Conversely, they may endure a difficult 90-minute period.