Overview
- Argentina beat Mauritania 2-1 on Friday at La Bombonera with first‑half goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, and Lionel Messi entered as a second‑half substitute.
- Head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez criticized the display and said the team lacked intensity against a side ranked 115th in FIFA’s rankings.
- The friendly replaced a planned Finalissima against Spain that was scrapped due to Middle East security concerns and late scheduling hurdles.
- Scaloni is using this window to assess fringe options before the 26‑man list is due on May 30, with a second home friendly against Zambia set for Tuesday.
- Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup remains undecided, and home fans unfurled banners and chanted for him as staff managed his minutes.