Friendly

Argentina vs Mauritania LIVE Updates: Game underway with Lionel Messi on the subs bench (0-0)

Updated on
March 27, 2026

**© Ahmad Hasaballah & Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images**Papa Ndiaga Yade of Mauritania and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Argentina and Mauritania are meeting for the first time in an international friendly as part of the March international window, with kickoff set for Friday, March 27, at the Bombonera. Stay with us for minute-by-minute coverage and don’t miss a moment of the action.

The Albiceleste head into the match on the back of a 2-0 win over Angola, their only friendly during the November international window. The occasion also carries an added layer of significance, as today was originally scheduled to be the Finalissima against Spain before the match was canceled.

On the other hand, Mauritania is heading to the game after failing to qualify to the Arab Cup back in November, with a 2-0 defeat against Kuwait. Its’ last win came back in September 5 in a 2-0 win against Togo, and is currently in a streak of 6 games without a win.

While Lionel Messi is expected to begin the match on the bench, fans will not have to wait long to see him in action. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has already confirmed that the Inter Miami star will feature in both friendlies, starting with tonight’s game against Mauritania and followed by next Tuesday’s clash against Zambia, giving the home crowd a chance to bid farewell to the squad before the 2026 World Cup.

07:21PM

Kickoff!

Referee Derliz López blows his whistle, and the game between Argentina and Mauritania is underway

07:05PM

Lionel Messi left out of Argentina's starting XI

In what figures to be the most talked-about team news ahead of kickoff, head coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to leave Lionel Messi on the bench for the match against Mauritania. As Scaloni made clear at Thursday's press conference, however, the Argentine icon is set to feature in both March friendlies, meaning fans can expect to see him come off the bench at some point in the second half.

06:55PM

Argentina's starting XI confirmed!

Argentina will be facing Mauritania with the next lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Marcos Acuña; Nico Paz, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez.

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06:40PM

Mauritania's confirmed lineup!

Spanish head coach Aritz Lopez Garai has confirmed the eleven players that'll be starting the game against Argentina (4-3-3): Babacar Diop; Ibrahima Keita, Lamine Ba, Jordan Lefort, Aly Abeid; Maata Magassa, Oumar Ngom, Beyatt Lekoueiry; Aboubakary Koita, Mamadou Diallo, Djeidi Gassama.

06:30PM

Who is the referee for Argentina vs Mauritania?

The referee selected for Friday's match between Argentina and Mauritania is Derliz Lopez, a 35-year-old official from Paraguay who has been a regular fixture in South American club competitions, including the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. Tonight's game will mark his first time officiating an Argentina national team match.

Match officials:

Referee: Derliz López
1st Assistant: Roberto Cañete
2nd Assistant: Eduardo Britos
Fourth Official: Nazareno Arasa

06:15PM

Where are Argentina and Mauritania playing?

Friday's match between Argentina and Mauritania will take place at the Estadio Alberto J. Armando, better known as La Bombonera, in Buenos Aires. The iconic Boca Juniors stadium, which holds 57,200 spectators, will serve as the Albiceleste's home for tonight's friendly.

The game had also been considered for the Monumental, River Plate's stadium, given its larger capacity of more than 85,000 fans. However, rock band AC/DC is performing at the venue on Friday night as part of their Power Up Tour 2026, leaving the Argentine Football Association to look elsewhere.

06:00PM