Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Thursday, November 13, 2025 8:06 p.m. / Updated Thursday, November 13, 2025 8:32 p.m.
Argentina held today the official training before the friendly duel with Angola. Lionel Messi's squad trained at the Estadio Martinez Valero in Elche, Spain, and fans stormed the 30,000-seat arena.
No less than 20,000 fans attended the training session of the “albiceleste” formation. An important assist in the context in which 26,000 spectators showed up for the last championship match with Real Sociedad, score 1-1.
PHOTO Lionel Messi, in the center of attention at training watched by 20,000 spectators
Lionel Messi, the star of Argentina who played for a long time in Spain, was the main center of interest of the spectators at the stadium in Elche. The former Barcelona player was given a number 10 shirt with his name written on the back from club Elche and was visibly surprised by the gesture.
Leo Messi also posted a message on social media to thank for the warm welcome he received at the La Liga team's stadium: “I haven't been here for a long time and the affection shown to me everywhere I go makes me happy. Thank you to everyone who came today. There were also many Argentines! It's always a pleasure to see you again,” the former Barcelona player said on his Facebook page.
Angola – Argentina, the 13 million euro friendly match
Angola missed out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and took advantage of this competitive break for a gala friendly against Argentina, who have already qualified for the final tournament in 2026.
Angola paid no less than 13 million dollars for this match. The friendly match marks a national holiday week. Angola celebrated 50 years of independence on November 11, and the end of the festivities will be the luxury friendly with Argentina.
