Will Messi play against Mauritania on Friday, March 27? What we know about Scaloni’s Argentina lineup
In the first of two friendlies in Buenos Aires over the coming days, the world champions host Mauritania at La Bombonera.
It is unclear whether Lionel Messi will start Argentina’s World Cup warm-up against Mauritania, but Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni says the star will feature.
However, Scaloni also says the 38-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, is yet to confirm his presence at this summer’s tournament in North America.
Africans step in as Spain clash cancelled
As they prepare to defend their world title, Argentina face a double-header of Buenos Aires friendlies this international week, after the cancellation of their Finalissima clash with Spain.
Scaloni’s men were due to take on La Roja in Qatar today, in a matchup between the South American and European champions. However, after the game was called off amid the crisis in the Middle East, Argentina’s soccer federation (AFA) hastily arranged two alternative fixtures, both against African opposition.
The Mauritanians visit La Bombonera tonight, before the Buenos Aires stadium hosts a further World Cup tune-up on Tuesday, March 31, against Zambia.
“Leo is going to play”
Speaking at a news conference on the eve of the Mauritania matchup, Scaloni said of Messi: “Leo is going to play - I don’t know whether he’ll start or not. I don’t know how many minutes he’s going to play, but he’ll play in both [games].”
The Argentina boss added: “I think it’s a great opportunity to see him out on the field, for all the fans to see him and enjoy having him here.”
Scaloni also indicated that he plans to use the Mauritania and Zambia games to give fringe players the chance to prove their World Cup credentials, with the coach preparing to name his final tournament squad by May 30.
“We’re going to play a mixture of lads we want to take a look at and others we want to get back to their best level,” the 47-year-old, who has been at the helm of Argentina since 2018, told reporters.
“Not my decision”
However, although Scaloni was able to confirm Messi’s involvement against Mauritania and Zambia, he could not guarantee the eight-time Ballon d’Or will actually play at the World Cup, which takes place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
“That’s a question that’s more for him,” the coach said of the forward, who has appeared at five World Cups with Argentina. “From my point of view, you know what I think. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure he’s there.
“For the good of the game, I think he has to be there, but it’s not my decision. I’ve always said that. It’ll be down to him - how he’s feeling both mentally and physically. It’s not only Argentinians that want to see him out there - everyone does.”
Drawn in World Cup Group G, Argentina kick off their World Cup defense in just 81 days’ time, when they take on Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri on June 16. The three-time global champions then face Austria in Arlington, Texas on June 22, before completing the group stage against Jordan five days later, also in Arlington.
Argentina roster to play Mauritania and Zambia:
- Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Lucas Martínez Quarta, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marcos Senesi, Marcos Acuña, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Valentín Barco
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás Paz, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández
- Forwards: Julián Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás González, José Manuel López, Giuliano Simeone, Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni
Argentina vs Mauritania: kickoff times
Argentina host Mauritania today, Friday March 27, with kickoff at La Bombonera scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT. Viewers in the U.S. can find out how to watch the game on TV or online in this explainer.
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