BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina defeated Mauritania 2-1 in a friendly match played at La Bombonera stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2026. The match served as a key preparation opportunity for La Albiceleste ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While a comfortable win on paper, the performance offered glimpses of both established stars and emerging talent as coach Lionel Scaloni continues to refine his squad.
Enzo Fernández opened the scoring for Argentina in the 16th minute, followed by a goal from Nico Paz in the 31st minute, putting the home side firmly in control during the first half. However, Mauritania proved to be a resilient opponent, and managed to pull one back through Lefort in the 48th minute of the second half, making for a tense finish.
First-Half Dominance for Argentina
Argentina largely controlled the tempo of the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess. Fernández’s opening goal was a testament to his quality, while Paz’s strike demonstrated the potential of Argentina’s younger generation. Scaloni opted for a strong starting lineup, indicating his intention to utilize this international window to fine-tune the team’s overall play. The atmosphere at La Bombonera was electric, with fans eager to see their World Cup champions in action.
Mauritania’s Second-Half Resilience
Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, Mauritania emerged for the second half with renewed determination. They created several opportunities, testing Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, on multiple occasions. In the 43rd minute, Souleymane Anne nearly scored, but Martínez was equal to the task with a crucial save. Lefort’s goal in the 48th minute, following a scramble in the box, injected further excitement into the contest and highlighted Mauritania’s fighting spirit.
Scaloni’s Lineup and Substitutions
Scaloni’s starting XI featured a familiar core of World Cup winners, including Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi. The midfield saw a blend of experience and youth, with Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister alongside Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz. Up front, Julián Álvarez led the line, supported by Nico González.
Throughout the match, Scaloni made several substitutions, providing valuable minutes to a range of players. Giay and Flaco López were introduced in the second half, while Palacios replaced Mac Allister, and Simeone came on for Fernández. These changes allowed Scaloni to assess different combinations and experiment with tactical adjustments.
Dibu Martínez Shines in Goal
Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, proved to be a standout performer, making several key saves to deny Mauritania. Early in the second half, he made a crucial stop to prevent Koita from scoring, preserving Argentina’s lead. His performance underscored his importance to the team and his reliability in goal.
Match Details
Competition: International Friendly
Date: March 27, 2026
Location: La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Referee: Derlis López (Paraguay)
Yellow Cards: Ba (MAU); Senesi (ARG)
Goals: Enzo Fernández (ARG), 16′; Nico Paz (ARG), 31′; Lefort (MAU), 48′
Argentina: Dibu Martínez; Molina (Giay), Romero, Senesi, Acuña (Rojas); Mac Allister (Palacios), Enzo Fernández (Simeone), Almada (Flaco López), Nico Paz (Messi); Nico González (Rodrigo de Paul), Julián Alvarez (Mastantuono). Coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Mauritania: Diop; Keita, Ba (Abd), Lefort, Abeid (Diaw); Ngom (Hacen), Magassa (Yacoub), Lekoueiry (Anne), Koita (Mahmoud); Gassama (Amar), Diallo (Yade). Coach: Aritz López Garai.
The match also saw a late appearance from Lionel Messi, entering the game as a substitute in the second half to a rousing ovation from the home crowd. While his time on the pitch was limited to 45 minutes, his presence undoubtedly lifted the spirits of the team and the fans.
What’s Next for Argentina
Argentina will continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with further friendly matches scheduled in the coming months. Scaloni will be looking to finalize his squad and refine his tactics as the tournament draws closer. The team’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but details will be released by the Argentine Football Association in due course. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments through official team channels.
This friendly against Mauritania, while not a high-stakes encounter, provided valuable insights into Argentina’s current form and the depth of their squad. As they gear up for the World Cup, La Albiceleste will be aiming to build on this victory and continue their quest for glory.
