Argentina Scaloni Not Worried After Nervy Display Against Mauritania

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Argentina edge past Mauritania 2-1 in a shaky friendly at La Bombonera, yet Lionel Scaloni stays calm about long-term prospects and prefers any problems now rather than at the World Cup, where the holders are preparing for a Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

First-half strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz seem to set up a routine night for Argentina on Friday, but Mauritania respond strongly after the interval, press high, and score through Jordan Lefort with the final kick, leaving the home crowd uneasy despite the win.

Scaloni stresses that the performance raises issues but also offers useful lessons for Argentina’s World Cup build-up. "It's true that the match was not good, that's the reality. But we drew a lot of conclusions, Scaloni said. There are no easy opponents. Everything is useful preparation for what is coming."

The coach repeats that the focus stays on learning rather than panic. "Concern in itself, no. There are things to correct, as always, and it is better that they happen now, to test us, so we see things." Scaloni wants mistakes exposed in June rather than during tournament pressure.

Despite Argentina enjoying 64.3% possession, Mauritania finish with more attempts and better underlying numbers. The visitors have 11 shots to Argentina’s seven and produce 1.04 expected goals against 0.67, which underlines the threat created by the team ranked 115th by FIFA, especially in the second half.

Scaloni uses the friendly to examine his squad in depth, making eight substitutions and handing debuts to defenders Gabriel Rojas and Agustin Giay. Lionel Messi also appears, entering from the bench at half-time for a planned 45 minutes that follow fitness talks and workload discussions between Scaloni and the captain.

The coach explains that Messi’s role is agreed in advance. "I spoke with Leo [Messi] about playing this match for a while and that [45 minutes off the bench] iswhat we decided." Scaloni then gives a blunt assessment. "We didn't play a good game, that's pretty clear to me. This team can play much better, it's obvious."

Argentina squad depth, debuts and leadership

Scaloni avoids singling out individuals after the uneven display. "Individually, I am not going to go through the players one by one, but everyone played their part." He highlights the link between collective form and personal ratings. "It's true that when the team doesn't play a good game, it's difficult for you to save yourself."

The coach still praises the newcomers for handling a demanding night. "When the team plays well, everyone plays well, but in general, those who made their debutswhich is not easyplayed their part." Young talents, including Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono and Como midfielder Paz, continue to gain experience with the national side.

Fernandez, who is now a Chelsea player and a World Cup winner from 2022, sees a duty to guide Argentina’s emerging names. "I am very calm about this, Fernandez said. Obviously every time I have the opportunity to talk to a new team-mate who comes, to support him, to give him confidence, to show everything he does at his club, I will."

Fernandez believes that togetherness remains Argentina’s main strength in this cycle. "That is what makes up the national team, the union and the strength we have." The holders next face Zambia in a friendly on Tuesday, another test before travelling to the United States for World Cup duties.