Being a world champion pays off big! Crowned in Qatar in 2022 following a final won on penalties in front of the French team, Argentina has since happily replaced its performances outside the official calendar. By selling its availability to the highest bidders for friendly sessions.
Over the past three years, the list of nations that have managed to organize a meeting against the Albiceleste is in no way prestigious. Indonesia, Australia, Panama, Curaçao, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and even Venezuela, these are the countries which were able to afford such choice opposition.
This is how Angola was able to obtain the approval of the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) for the reception of the world champions in Luanda on November 14, as part of the Independence Day celebrations. A gala match organized at the Stade du 11-Novembre which, according to information from Sport News Africa, would have cost a whopping 12 million euros.
With Messi… or not
For this famous slot in November, Morocco had tried its luck, requesting the AFA with the aim of hosting the ultimate selection. Only the Lions of the Atlas were then cooled by the financial demands of their interlocutors. Especially since the presence of absolute star Lionel Messi for such events cannot be guaranteed.
In March 2024, China canceled two friendly matches for Argentina scheduled on its territory against Nigeria in Hangzhou and against Ivory Coast in Beijing. This is precisely because of the attitude of La Pulga during an exhibition organized in Hong Kong between Inter Miami, the club of the Albiceleste captain, and a local team. Remaining on the bench with his face closed during this game, Lionel Messi thus provoked the ire of the Chinese authorities.
