BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina beat Mauritania 2-1 on Friday in a friendly with goals from Enzo Fernandes and Nicolas Paz, giving fans a chance to cheer on their captain. lionel messi Play for the 6th time world cup.
Messi started on the bench at La Bombonera Stadium in November 2019, with uncertainty over whether he would feature in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada starting in June. buenos aires.
The 38-year-old star, who played in the second half, said the decision depended on his fitness, but manager Lionel Scaloni declared a day earlier that he would “do everything possible” to persuade him to play.
“We’re all going to celebrate, with Leo Messi leading the way,” the Argentine crowd roared as the star player took to the field to warm up. A banner reading “Best of the Century” was unfurled from one of the stands.
Paz, who was in charge of set-pieces in Messi’s absence, took a free kick with his left foot in the 32nd minute and it went through the opponent’s wall, giving the opposing goalkeeper Babacar Diop no chance to react.
Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina sent a cross into the box, which Enzo Fernandes connected with Diop.
Toward the second half, Scaloni sent Messi and Real Madrid’s young talent Franco Mastantuono, who is competing for a spot in the World Cup squad, onto the field.
Messi had the only chance in the 55th minute with a shot from outside the box, but it was saved by Diop.
Argentina had to urgently find a replacement after the match against European champions Spain. finalissimaIt was scheduled to take place in Qatar this Friday, but was canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
With more competitive teams already booked, Mauritania (115th in the FIFA rankings) and Zambia (91st), who play at the same stadium next Tuesday, have emerged as options for the World Cup champions to bid farewell to their fans and for coach Scaloni to finalize the team that will defend his title.
National teams have until May 30 to submit their official 26-man roster for the World Cup.
Argentina, who were also world champions in 1978 and 1986, will play their first game in Group J against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, followed by Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
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