(Photo by Chris Arjoon / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS ARJOON/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Argentina vs Mauritania?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 5:58 PM ET

The Argentina national team returns to Argentina to play their friendly match against the African nation of Mauritania.

Some familar faces will be playing for the Argentina national team tonight, with star players like Julian Alvarez and Ezno Fernandez as part of the starting lineup.

Lionel Messi is not part of the starting lineup but is part of the Argentina squad for the match tonight.

Messi is not suffering an injury as he traveled with the rest of the team this week. Messi trained with the rest of the team, but Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni decided not to start him.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (C) controls the ball during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province on March 26, 2026, ahead of a friendly match against Mauritania on March 27 at the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP via Getty Images)(Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP via Getty Images)

Scaloni is likely resting Messi and evaluating other players, who have not guaranteed their spot on the Argentina World Cup roster.

Lionel Messi set to play vs Mauritania

Despite not starting the match for Argentina against Mauritania, Lionel Messi is expected to play tonight.

Messi will likely play in the second half after Scaloni confirmed that the Argentine star will play against Mauritania and against Zambia next week.

Scaloni was asked if Messi would play in the 2026 World Cup, and he said, "I’ll do everything possible for Messi to be there at the World Cup. I think for the good of football, he has to be there, but he’s the one who will decide."

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

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