Civil society organizations in Angola are urging the Argentine Football Federation and superstar Lionel Messi to cancel a scheduled friendly match in November.
Their appeal comes in the wake of violent demonstrations in Angola that left thirty people dead. The fixture, still under negotiation between both football bodies, was expected to take place in Luanda as part of the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
In an open letter directed to the Argentine Football Association, the national team, and Messi’s foundation, four civil groups accused the Angolan government of carrying out widespread repression.
They stressed that stepping back from the match would serve as a powerful act of international solidarity and a clear stand for human rights.
