Argentina and Mauritania will meet in an international friendly on Friday, with the world champions continuing their build-up to the 2026 World Cup on home turf at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
Argentina team news
This March international window has been far from straightforward for Argentina. It began with the dispute and eventual cancellation of the Finalissima against Spain, and followed by difficulties in locking in opponents for friendlies in the capital.
Argentina first named a 28-man squad for the March fixtures on March 18, but since then head coach Lionel Scaloni has had to bring in four more players to cover late issues in the squad.
From the outset, Lisandro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez were ruled out, and further absences were confirmed as the days passed.
Leonardo Balerdi also dropped out after suffering an injury in Olympique Marseille’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille.
To compensate, Franco Mastantuono and Joaquín Panichelli received call-ups, while Balerdi’s injury opened the door for River Plate defender Lucas Martínez Quarta. Agustín Giay was added following Gonzalo Montiel’s withdrawal.
Despite the setbacks, Scaloni still has a strong group available. The core of his World Cup-winning team is intact as Argentina prepare for the 2026 tournament.
Lionel Messi is in the squad and expected to play. He has carefully managed his workload at Inter Miami in MLS. Scaloni has repeatedly said the captain will set his own pace for national-team minutes.
Argentina predicted lineup
Possible Argentina starting XI: Martinez; Giay, Senesi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Almada, Messi, Alvarez
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 11:15pm BST on Friday, 27th March.
How to watch Argentina vs Mauritania?
The fixture will not be televised in the UK. In the United States the match will be shown live on Fubo TV, Fanatiz, Sling, Prime Video USA, beIN SPORTS USA.
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