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Argentina Coach Announce Lionel Messi Decision Before Mauritania Friendly
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Argentina Coach Announce Lionel Messi Decision Before Mauritania Friendly

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Emmanuel Mendez  |  Last updated Mar 27, 2026 11:58 AM ET
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Argentina will have two friendly matches in Argentina this week to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Tonight, Argentina will host Mauritania at La Bombonera.

The Argentina national team is strong for these two matches, as Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni called up star players who play in Europe, and also called up the captain, Lionel Messi.

Messi trained with the rest of the Argentina national team ahead of the match against Mauritania tonight.

The friendly matches have caused concern among fans, which sparked questions about whether the Argentine star should risk playing to avoid injuries with a few months left until the World Cup.

Lionel Messi of Argentina plays with the ball during a training session at Lionel Messi training facility on March 26, 2026 in Ezeiza, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will play against Mauritania, but his response does not convince fans that he will start the match.

Scaloni said, "He will play both matches. I don't know if he'll start or not. I don't know how many minutes, but he will be there for both games, especially since it's like a gift for the Argentines to have Messi in Argentina for two more games, which we weren't going to have."

Lionel Messi set to be benched in Argentina vs Mauritania

According to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul, Lionel Messi will not start the match for Argentina tonight against Mauritania at La Bombonera.

Messi will likely get minutes in the second half, and the attacking duo for Argentina will likely be Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada.

Scaloni will use these matches to look at players who have not been given enough minutes with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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