Argentina hosted Mauritania on Friday, March 27, at the Bombonera in a March international window friendly. Despite a quiet performance from Lionel Messi, who entered the pitch in the second half, the Albiceleste held on for a narrow 2-1 victory.
With Messi starting on the bench, Argentina did their best work in the first half, opening the scoring when Enzo Fernandez converted a Nahuel Molina cross in the 17th minute. Nico Paz then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, stepping up to curl a free kick into the net.
The second half brought Messi’s introduction, but the team’s performance dropped off considerably, with Argentina failing to register a single shot on target after the break. The Inter Miami star’s only attempt was blocked, while Mauritania grew into the game and forced Emiliano Martinez into several saves before Jordan Lefort pulled one back in the final moments after a scramble inside the box to set up a nervy finish.
Argentina will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s clash against Zambia on March 31 at the Bombonera, the Albiceleste’s final home match before their World Cup campaign in North America. Mauritania, meanwhile, will also be in action on Tuesday, March 31, when they face Palestine.