BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over Mauritania in a friendly match on Friday, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz. The event served as a rallying call for fans encouraging captain Lionel Messi to commit to a sixth World Cup.
Messi started the match on the bench at La Bombonera but came on in the second half, much to the crowd’s excitement. Fans cheered every touch he made, holding banners proclaiming, “The Best of the Century.”
Argentina took an early lead in the 17th minute when right-back Nahuel Molina, who plays for Atlético Madrid, delivered a cross that Enzo Fernández converted against Babacar Diop.
Then, in the 32nd minute, Paz scored the second goal with a left-footed free kick that went through the opposition’s wall, leaving goalkeeper Diop with no chance to respond.
Despite making eight substitutions throughout the match, the reigning world champions struggled to increase their lead against a team ranked 115th in the FIFA standings.
“The team didn’t perform well. We have to admit that in order to improve,” stated Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after the match. “We clearly can play much better; we’ve done it before. While everyone contributed, it became more challenging as the match progressed.”
Photo by JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/EPA/Shutterstock
In the second half, Scaloni brought on Messi and young talent Franco Mastantuono, who plays for Real Madrid and is vying for a World Cup roster spot.
Messi had the only clear scoring chance in the 55th minute, but his attempt from outside the box was saved by Diop.
“This was one of the worst friendlies we’ve played. We lacked intensity, pace, and overall gameplay. It’s something we need to analyze and improve upon each time we wear the jersey,” commented Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa.
Argentina was in urgent need of alternative opponents after their scheduled match against European champions Spain in the Finalissima was canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Fortunately, the Finalissima didn’t take place; had we played like this, we would have lost,” added Martínez.
With more competitive teams already booked, Mauritania and Zambia, their next opponent on Tuesday at the same venue, provided options for the World Cup champions to say farewell to their fans and for Scaloni to finalize the squad that will defend its title.
National teams have until May 30 to submit their official 26-player lists for the World Cup.
Argentina, who previously won world titles in 1978 and 1986, will kick off their campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City as part of Group J. They will then face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
This report was contributed by the Associated Press.