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 didn’t 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; we’ve done it. All the guys we’ve been able to see have contributed their part, but when a match becomes complicated, it’s harder.”
Messi’s 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 we’ve played. We lacked intensity, game and speed. It’s 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 wasn’t played], if we had played like this we would’ve lost,” Martinez added.
