Angola commenced its 50th independence anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, with a grand flag-raising ceremony at Republic Square in Luanda, led by President João Lourenço. The milestone event marks half a century since the nation declared independence from Portugal on 11 November 1975, a moment shadowed by a long civil war that lasted until 2002, and claimed up to a million lives.
As part of the golden jubilee festivities, the Angolan Government has organized an exhibition football match between its National team and reigning world Champions Argentina at the 11 November Stadium on Friday, named after the Independence day.
Lionel Messi and his teammates are expected to arrive in Angola on Thursday, November 13, with reports indicating the Government spent about $13 million to host the global football icons. Angola, an oil-rich nation, continues to be governed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the ruling party since independence.