Angola 0-2 Argentina Player Ratings: Lautaro Martinez Rated 8/10 as World Champions Won 2-0

Before we begin the Angola vs Argentina player ratings, let's take a moment to wish all Angolans a happy 50th Independence Day and appreciate the nation for hosting the match smoothly and without any chaos.

Coming to the match, the Angolan team impressed everyone, especially the home crowd, as they kept Argentina quiet until the 40th minute. It was Messi who found Martínez in the 43rd minute for the opening goal. Later, the same pair combined again to make it 2-0 in favour of the visitors.

Here are the Angola vs Argentina player ratings:

Argentina Player Ratings Vs Angola

Here are Argentina Player Ratings Vs Angola

Goalkeeper

Gerónimo Rulli – 8.5: Commanded his area with authority on a humid night. Made a world-class reflex save to deny Angola’s only clear chance (a header from 6 yards) and started attacks with accurate long balls. Swept effectively behind a high line.

Defenders

Juan Foyth – 7.3: Right-back in a compact 4-4-2 shape. Won 6/7 ground duels, made 3 recoveries, and stepped into midfield to link with De Paul. One perfectly weighted overlap created space for Messi’s cut-back. Calm and progressive.
Cristian Romero – 7.9: Right center-back. Dominated aerially (5/5) and carried the ball out confidently, drawing fouls and launching counters. His diagonal switch found González in stride for the move that led to the opener. Imperious.
Nicolás Tagliafico – 7.1: Left center-back in possession, morphing into a marauding left-back when attacking. Won 4 tackles, blocked a goal-bound shot, and delivered the cross that forced the corner for Martínez’s goal. Relentless two-way play.

Midfielders

Rodrigo De Paul – 7.7: Right central midfielder. Covered 12.1 km, won 5/8 duels, and pressed Angola into the mistake that gifted Messi the second. 91 % pass accuracy, including 4 into the final third. The heartbeat of the press.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0: Left central midfielder. Dropped between the center-backs to build, then surged forward to create overloads. 6 progressive passes, 3 key passes, and a near-post flick that Martínez volleyed in. Class in tight spaces.
Giovani Lo Celso – 7.5: Deployed as the advanced playmaker just off Martínez. Slalomed past two defenders to draw the foul for Messi’s free-kick routine, and his back-heel released Almada for a 1-v-1. Vision and flair in abundance.

Nico González – 7.2: Right winger/striker partner. Stretched the backline with diagonal runs, won the header that fell kindly for Martínez’s tap-in, and forced a fingertip save with a rasping drive. Direct and dangerous.

Forwards

Lautaro Martínez – 8.0: Center-forward. Clinical poacher’s finish for the first (side-foot from 4 yards) and unselfish lay-off for Messi’s second. Held up play brilliantly (4/5 duels won) and pressed from the front. Back to his lethal best.

Lionel Messi – 8.0: False 9 / free-roaming second striker. Dropped deep to orchestrate, threaded the assist for Martínez with a no-look pass, then bent in a 22-yard beauty for 2-0. 7 dribbles completed, 5 chances created, 3 shots on target. Vintage.

Thiago Almada - 7.0: Left winger. Hugged the touchline to pin Angola’s right-back, cut inside to test the keeper twice, and linked sweetly with Tagliafico. Subbed after 73’ having added width and spark.