Home / Football / Internationals News Scaloni claims Argentina must play much better ahead of World Cup The World champions beat Mauritania but were far from their best in the win Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: March 28, 2026 09:57:43 am GMT 2 min read Argentina team edged past Mauritania 2-1 in a friendly at La Bombonera on Friday night, with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Paz enough to get the World champions over the line. The match also became a celebration of Lionel Messi, who started on the bench before being introduced in the second half to a rapturous reception, as supporters unveiled banners urging him to continue his international career and target a sixth World Cup appearance.Argentina took control early, opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Nahuel Molina delivered a cross that Fernandez converted. Paz then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, his left-footed free-kick slipping through the wall and beyond goalkeeper Babacar Diop.Despite making multiple changes, the world champions struggled to build on their advantage against lower-ranked opposition.The team didnt play a good match. We have to say that so we can work on improving, head coach Lionel Scaloni said after the game.We evidently can play much better; weve done it. All the guys weve been able to see have contributed their part, but when a match becomes complicated, its harder.Messis introduction after the break lifted the atmosphere, and he came closest to adding a third goal in the 55th minute, only to be denied by Diop from distance.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was critical of the overall performance, despite the result.It was one of the worst friendlies weve played. We lacked intensity, game and speed. Its something we need to analyze and every time we wear the jersey do a little bit better, he said.Argentina had originally been scheduled to face Spain in the Finalissima, but the fixture was cancelled, forcing a late reshuffle of opponents.Thank goodness [the Finalissima wasnt played], if we had played like this we wouldve lost, Martinez added. Topics: Argentina National Football Team Lionel Scaloni Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton
