Lionel Messi has faced several African national teams during his international career with Argentina. While some lists claim that the Argentina captain has played against as many as 19 African countries, a closer look at his international appearances shows that he has faced eight African nations.
The eight African countries Lionel Messi has played against are:
1. Nigeria 🇳🇬
2. Algeria 🇩🇿
3. Angola 🇦🇴
4. Zambia 🇿🇲
5. Egypt 🇪🇬
6. Cape Verde 🇨🇻
7. Mauritania 🇲🇷
8. Benin 🇧🇯
Messi has encountered African opposition in friendly matches and other international fixtures throughout his career, with Nigeria being one of the African teams he has faced most frequently.
His encounters with African teams have also produced memorable moments, including goals and notable performances for Argentina.
Overall, although Argentina have played against more African countries during Messi’s era, the eight listed above are the African national teams he has personally faced in an international match.
Lionel Messi’s international career has therefore included encounters with eight African countries.
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