With their third win in a row, defending champion Argentina goes into the World Cup year with superstar Lionel Messi.
In the last international match of 2025, the Albiceleste beat Angola 2-0 (1-0) in Luanda. Messi and Co. have only suffered one defeat in nine games this year.
Lautaro Martínez gave the world champion the lead after a pass from Messi shortly before half-time (43′). Despite 66 percent possession of the ball, Argentina subsequently found it difficult to extend their narrow lead.
Only in the final phase did Messi increase the lead to 2-0 (82′), this time with an assist from Martínez.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had to do without world champions Julian Alvarez and Nahuel Molina as well as Giuliano Simeone. The Atlético Madrid trio were not allowed to enter Angola due to a lack of yellow fever vaccinations.