Lautaro Martinez provides goal and assist for Messi in Argentina friendly victory

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored a goal and provided an assist for Lionel Messi against Angola, while Como midfielder Maxi Perrone made his senior Argentina debut.

The friendly match was organised in the African country this evening, celebrating Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

It took 43 minutes to break the deadlock, which finally happened when Lautaro Martinez ran onto the Messi through ball and surprised the goalkeeper with a precise angled drive at the near post.

The pair combined again for the second goal on 82 minutes, as this time Lautaro Martinez returned the favour to the legend, assisting his late effort with a slide-rule pass.

It was also a special occasion for another Serie A player, as Como midfielder Maximo Perrone came on as a late substitute, given his senior debut for Argentina.

Inter had been hoping that Lautaro Martinez might be spared too much playing time, but he started the match and was eventually substituted at the 85th minute.

El Toro now has 36 goals in 75 senior appearances for Argentina.