World champions Argentina will face two African teams as preparation for their World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas. Messi is expected to play minutes in both matches and is likely to score, but the question arises: who is his favorite victim within CAF?

Messi has scored 115 goals for the Argentina national team and is the all-time top scorer in the history of La Albiceleste. Throughout his career, he has faced three African teams, scoring a total of six goals against them.

Third and Second Place: Angola and Algeria

In third place is Angola. He scored against them on November 14, 2025, in a friendly played in Luanda. It was the second goal in Argentina’s 2-0 victory.

In second place is Algeria, precisely his first rival in the World Cup. He has scored two goals against the Desert Warriors, both on June 5, 2007, at Camp Nou in Barcelona, in a friendly that ended 4-3. Messi equalized the match 2-2 and later scored the 4-2 for Argentina. Now, a new story awaits on the World Cup stage.

The Favorite Victim: Nigeria

In first place, as his favorite victim, is Nigeria. He has them well measured: he has scored three goals against the Super Eagles, all in World Cups. The first two came in Porto Alegre during Brazil 2014, including a spectacular free-kick for the 2-1. The third was in Saint Petersburg, Russia 2018, when with extraordinary control and a brilliant finish he scored the 1-0 that kept Argentina alive. That match ended 2-1, and his goal was one of the tournament’s highlights.

Will Mauritania join Messi’s list of African victims?

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