Argentina will continue their preparations for this summer’s World Cup with two hastily arranged friendlies over the next week.
The first comes tomorrow night against Mauritania in Buenos Aires with the second against Zambia scheduled for next Tuesday.
Argentina have had to act fast after their Finalissima clash with Spain in Doha was cancelled due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Instead of facing world class opposition, Lionel Messi and Co will take on two African minnows.
The new fixtures will change the dynamic of Argentina’s preparation with boss Lionel Scaloni now more likely to tinker with his team to ensure everyone is given ample opportunity to impress. Against Spain, he would have gone with his best XI in a bid to lay down a marker ahead of this summer’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The two games will also allow home fans one final chance, in theory, to watch Messi on home soil.
Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to retire from international football in July and focus on his club career with Inter Miami.
Messi will, of course, be the centre of attention but there are some players in the squad for whom this is make or break when it comes to their World Cup hopes.
While most of the squad are sure of their places, there are still a couple of spots up for grabs. José López and Joaquín Panichelli will battle it out for third striker spot behind Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.
Strasbourg’s Panichelli is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this term with 16 goals while Lopez netted 25 times for Palmeiras last season.
There may be a midfield place available too with youngsters Nicolás Paz, Gianluca Prestianni and Franco Mastantuono fighting it out.
Mauritania failed to qualify for the World Cup after finishing fifth in Group B of the CAF qualifying section, winning just one of their 10 games.
Team news for Argentina v Mauritania
Argentina are without Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel due to injury. Lautaro is unlikely to play due to a minor niggle meaning Alvarez will get the chance to stake his claim for a regular place in the starting XI before the World Cup.
Rangers winger winger Djeidi Gassama could make his Mauritania debut after switching allegiance from France.
