BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Behind goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, Argentina defeated Mauritania 2-1 on Friday in a friendly that served as a rallying cry for fans to urge captain Lionel Messi to commit to a historic sixth World Cup.
Messi began the match on the bench at La Bombonera. He was introduced in the second half to the delight of a crowd that cheered his every touch and displayed banners reading, “The Best of the Century.”
Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when right-back Nahuel Molina, who plays for Atlético Madrid, sent a cross into the box that Enzo Fernández capitalized on against Babacar Diop.
Paz, responsible for set pieces in Messi’s absence, took a left-footed free kick that slipped through the visiting wall and gave no chance for the opposing goalkeeper Diop to react in the 32nd minute to score the second goal.
The reigning world champions made eight substitutions during the match but struggled to extend their lead against a side ranked 115th in the FIFA world rankings.
“The team didn’t paly a good match. We have to say that so we can work on improving”, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the game.
“We evidently can play much better; we’ve done it. All the guys we’ve been able to see have contributed their part, but when a match becomes complicated, it’s harder.”
Photo by JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/EPA/Shutterstock
For the second half, Scaloni sent Messi and Franco Mastantuono, a young Real Madrid talent vying for a place on the World Cup roster, onto the field.
Messi had the only clear scoring opportunity in the 55th minute with a shot from outside the box that Diop saved.
“I have a bit of a strange feeling about the match. The pitch wasn’t in good condition,” said Chelsea star Enzo Fernández. “We couldn’t showcase our usual game, but this serves its purpose for what’s ahead and helps refresh the coach’s ideas.”
Argentina was forced to urgently find alternative opponents after their match against European champions Spain in the Finalissima, scheduled for this Friday in Qatar, was called off due to the conflict in the Middle East.
With the more competitive teams already booked, Mauritania and Zambia, their opponent next Tuesday at the same stadium, emerged as options for the World Cup champions to say goodbye 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 rosters for the World Cup.
Argentina, also world champions in 1978 and 1986, will play its first match against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City in Group J. They will then face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
