Argentina’s 2-0 victory against Angola in Luanda did more than mark the African nation’s 50th independence anniversary. It sparked a wave of emotional, funny, and deeply appreciative reactions from fans across the world, especially after Messi assisted the opener and later scored his first ever goal on African soil. SoftFootball coverage of Messi’s pride and joy in representing Argentina added even more weight to the night.
Among the first voices online was @kisalay_Cool95, who wanted to express something deeper than statistics. His intention was to capture the feeling Messi evokes, the calmness and beauty of watching him age like art in motion.
He wrote in full:
Messi’s career feels like a long, gentle sunrise. No rush, no noise, just a light that keeps spreading. An assist, a goal, and suddenly he’s four away from 1300. You’d think we’d get used to this by now, but somehow every milestone feels personal, like watching someone rewrite time with a left foot. There’s magic in the way he moves not loud, not forced, just endlessly certain of who he is.
@BediakoDegreat expressed gratitude that Angola hosted Messi, turning the match into a celebration beyond football.
He said:
Thanks to Angolan FA for bringing the greatest athlete to the African soil once more. I can’t wait to see Messi at Accra, Ghana.
Some reactions were pure awe mixed with disbelief. @kader_bava highlighted Messi’s insane scoring longevity, writing:
Lionel Messi has now scored more goals for Argentina after the age of 30 than anyone else has ever scored at any age for Argentina.
@Keyglock_12 joked about how Angola seemed completely unbothered by the result, saying:
Lol they don’t mind losing 10 goals or more as long as they see Messi running with the ball.
There were also comments about the special atmosphere inside the stadium. @chimaobi_saint noted the excitement around the presidential box, writing:
The president brought his whole family just to see Messi play football.
And finally, @MusaAnthens laughed about how the moment revealed something unexpected to many viewers, saying:
At least now we know the president of Angola.
With over 50,000 fans at 11 de Novembro Stadium, Messi’s assist for Lautaro Martínez and his 66th-minute goal, taking him to 896 career strikes, made the friendly unforgettable. The post-match gesture, where President João Lourenço honoured Messi with a trophy and later received his jersey, sealed the night as more than a game. It became a moment fans will remember, and judging by their reactions, they already have.
