Friendlies: Here’s why Morocco turned down Lionel Messi’s Argentina

Africa 30 October 2025 at 10:35

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Huge revelation! Morocco turned down a friendly against Argentina. Here’s the reason why.

Morocco refused to bow to the demands of Argentina, led by its legendary Lionel Messi. According to L’Equipe journalist Hervé Penot, the Moroccan FA declined Argentina’s extravagant request: 10 million euros just for the appearance of the Albiceleste squad—presumably with Messi—plus business class airfare and additional logistical perks.

This sum was considered astronomical for a friendly match and would have stretched any federation’s budget to the limit. “There’s a price with Messi, another without. But if he’s not there, there’s little interest,” Penot summarized, capturing the dilemma many African nations face when dealing with the Argentine superstar. Spending such an amount for a friendly—even with the world’s best player present—simply didn’t make financial sense. Morocco has therefore chosen to focus on other footballing and budgetary priorities, especially with AFCON 2025 on the horizon.

Ultimately, Angola will host Argentina on November 14 in Luanda for a friendly match.