ANGOLAN civil society groups have called on the Argentine Football Association and star player Lionel Messi to cancel a proposed friendly match in Luanda later this year, citing human rights abuses and the recent killing of at least 30 people during anti-government protests.
Talks have been underway between the football associations of both countries to stage the game in November as part of events marking Angola’s 50th independence anniversary.
However, in an open letter released Tuesday, four civic organisations – including Catholic, legal and pro-democracy groups, appealed to Argentina’s football federation, the Albiceleste squad, and the Lionel Messi Foundation to withdraw from the plans.
The groups accused the government of President João Lourenço and the ruling MPLA party of “systematic repression” and argued that hosting a high-profile friendly would whitewash ongoing abuses.
“Refusing to participate in this match would be a noble gesture of international solidarity and respect for human rights,” the letter said.
The appeal follows the bloodiest unrest Angola has seen in decades. In late July, protests erupted after fuel price hikes triggered looting and clashes in several cities.
Security forces responded with live ammunition, leaving at least 30 people dead, more than 270 wounded, and over 1,500 arrested.
Despite being Africa’s second-largest oil producer, Angola suffers from high levels of poverty and inequality. According to the World Bank, around a third of its nearly 38 million people live in poverty.
A recent United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report highlighted that 22.5 percent of the population remains undernourished.
“While public resources are being channelled to large-scale sporting events, thousands of children and adults face chronic hunger, severe anaemia, and widespread food insecurity,” the letter stated.
The civic groups further accused the government of using national celebrations and international sports to divert attention from widespread hardship and political repression, alleging that economic benefits are monopolised by elites tied to the MPLA, which has ruled since independence from Portugal in 1975.
So far, neither the Argentine Football Association nor Messi’s representatives have publicly responded to the appeal.
The planned fixture was meant to be a highlight of Angola’s golden jubilee festivities, but activists warn it could become a flashpoint for renewed anger if the game goes ahead under the current climate.