Soccer

Argentina to play Mauritania: What were the last friendlies for Messi’s team ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina will play Mauritania, and Lionel Messi might play there since it's ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi of Argentina
© Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesLionel Messi of Argentina

Argentina just announced that they will play Mauritania in a friendly game ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This goes in line with what we’ve seen recently from Lionel Messi‘s national team.

Since winning the Copa America in 2021, Argentina’s friendlies haven’t been precisely elite matchups. In fact, these are the teams they’ve faced since 2021 in friendly games.

  • 5-0 Win vs Estonia
  • 3-0 Win vs Honduras
  • 3-0 Win vs Jamaica
  • 5-0 Win vs UAE
  • 2-0 Win vs Panama
  • 7-0 Win vs Curazao
  • 2-0 Win vs Australia
  • 2-0 Win vs Indonesia
  • 3-0 Win vs El Salvador
  • 3-1 Win vs Costa Rica
  • 1-0 Win vs Ecuador
  • 4-1 Win vs Guatemala
  • 1-0 Win vs Venezuela
  • 6-0 Win vs Puerto Rico
  • 2-0 Win vs Angola
Advertisement

Where are Mauritania in the FIFA rankings?

Mauritania are positioned 115th in the FIFA World Ranking. Mauritania have lost three games in a row. They lost to 4-0 to Senegal, followed by a 1-0 loss to Libya, and lastly, a 0-2 home loss to Kuwait.

Tweet placeholder
Advertisement

The fact is Mauritania align with what the Argentinian Federation has seeked lately. Lower level teams to just maintain rhythm, but not opponents that will make the Lionel Messi and the national team sweat a lot.

Conmebol president calls Argentina ‘Finalissima champions’ claiming Spain ‘didn’t show up’

see also

Argentina’s focus is on the World Cup

There is one reason for the Argentinians to pick Mauritania, maybe. During the group phase, Argentina will face Jordan, Algeria, and Austria. Jordan have a similar style to Mauritania, albeit much more better and effective. However, in a soccer, philosophical way, they play with a similar brand.

Advertisement

Survey

Are Argentina doing the right things by planning easy friendlies?

already voted 0 people

ALSO READ
Iran to play World Cup but don't want matches in the US
Soccer

Iran to play World Cup but don't want matches in the US

FIFA aims to keep World Cup schedule unchanged
Soccer

FIFA aims to keep World Cup schedule unchanged

Iran confirm negotiations with FIFA to avoid playing World Cup matches in the US
Soccer

Iran confirm negotiations with FIFA to avoid playing World Cup matches in the US

Former Lionel Messi teammate and World Cup runner-up Sergio Romero retires to pursue coaching career
Soccer

Former Lionel Messi teammate and World Cup runner-up Sergio Romero retires to pursue coaching career

Better Collective Logo