Argentina vs Mauritania LIVE: Halftime! (2-0) 2026 international friendly

La Bombonera grows louder as anticipation rises for Lionel Messi to enter in the second half, after Lionel Scaloni confirmed in the pre match press conference that he would feature in both friendlies. It remains to be seen when he will come on, either right at the start of the second half or around the 60 to 70 minute mark.

The first half comes to an end at La Bombonera, with Argentina in control and leading 2-0 after a solid performance against Mauritania.

Argentina avoid conceding after a great strike from Diallo, who pounced on a rebound in the box following a free kick, but Dibu Martinez makes a strong save and holds the ball without giving away a second chance.

Argentina continue to press consistently, with Nico Paz and Thiago Almada driving the attack and linking up well with Nicolas Gonzalez and Julian Alvarez, while Acuña and Molina push forward to stretch the field and create more space.

Ba receives a yellow card after a hard foul on Nicolas Gonzalez, as Mauritania try to slow down Argentina’s attacking rhythm.

The free kick won by Nico Paz is taken by Nico Paz himself. He strikes it low past the side of the wall, and the bounce off the ground complicates the Mauritania goalkeeper and the ball ends up in the net.

Nico Paz wins a free kick for Argentina after a foul by Koita, giving the hosts another opportunity to create danger from a set piece.

Enzo Fernandez takes a shot from outside the box but it is saved, as Argentina begin to find the match more difficult despite their control. As a notable detail, Argentina are committing more fouls than Mauritania, struggling to recover the ball cleanly and often resorting to fouls after losing possession.

Keita attempts a right footed shot from outside the box, but the effort goes wide and does not trouble Argentina.

A great team play between Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada ends with Molina winning the flank and sending a low cross into the box, Enzo Fernandez arrives from deep with a diagonal run and finishes with ease.

Argentina create their first relatively clear chance after a through ball from Cuti Romero finds Nico Gonzalez, who gets a shot off, but it is saved by Diop.

Argentina maintain possession from one side to the other, controlling the tempo of the game, but they are not creating real danger as Mauritania stay compact and well organized at the back.

Argentina continue to dominate the match and keep pushing Mauritania’s defensive line further back, but there are flashes of danger from Mauritania, with Koita showing signs of creating a threat.

Argentina earn a free kick after a handball by Gassama, Thiago Almada takes it but the effort is cleared by the Mauritania defense.

As expected, Argentina dominate possession and look for spaces to break down Mauritania’s defense, but despite the pressure, Mauritania remain organized in a solid block and keep their presence in midfield.

The match kicks off at La Bombonera as Argentina and Mauritania begin their international friendly.

Both teams enter the field for the pre match protocol greeting at La Bombonera, setting the stage for kickoff in Buenos Aires.

Mauritania start with the following lineup: Mamadou Diop; Ibrahima Keita, Aly Abeid, Lamine Ba, Jordan Lefort; Oumar Ngom, Maata Magassa, Djeidi Gassama, Beyatt Lekweiry, Aboubakary Koita; Mamadou Diallo.

AFA confirmed the officiating crew for Argentina’s match against Mauritania at La Bombonera, with Paraguayan referee Derlis Lopez set as the main official for the friendly.

Lopez will be joined by Roberto Cañete and Eduardo Britos, also from Paraguay, while Argentine official Nazareno Arasa will be in charge of VAR.

La Bombonera, officially Estadio Alberto J Armando, is the iconic home of Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires, opened in 1940. It is globally recognized for its horseshoe design with steep stands that seem to shake, turning it into one of the most unique stadiums in soccer. Located in La Boca, it currently holds around 57,000 spectators.

As a fun fact, the name La Bombonera comes from the stadium’s unusual shape. During construction, architect Viktor Sulcic noticed the design resembled a box of chocolates he had received as a gift, which ultimately inspired the nickname.

Argentina start with the following lineup: Dibu Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cuti Romero, Marcos Senesi, Marcos Acuña; Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Nico Paz, Nico Gonzalez; Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada.

The Argentine captain is reportedly not expected to be in the starting lineup. According to Argentine insider Gaston Edul, Lionel Scaloni has decided to manage the 38-year-old’s minutes ahead of the intense summer schedule. Lionel Messi is not expected to be in the starting XI tonight and will likely enter as a substitute in the second half.

Argentina vs Mauritania will get underway at 7:15 PM ET (PT: 4:15 PM)

Watch this international friendly match between Argentina and Mauritania live in the USA on Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect and ViX.

Welcome to our live blog of the international friendly match!

Argentina face Mauritania in Buenos Aires at La Bombonera, as Lionel Messi returns home in a key step toward World Cup preparation. Argentina arrive as the world champions, looking to fine-tune details, while Mauritania aim to make a statement against one of the top teams in the game.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Argentina and Mauritania go head-to-head in Buenos Aires.