Argentina 2-1 Mauritania: Paz free-kick secures nervy victory for world champions

Argentina edged to a nervy 2-1 win over Mauritania as Lionel Scaloni’s side continued preparations for their World Cup title defence.

Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz looked to be sending Argentina on their way to a routine win in Buenos Aires, but an inspired second-half performance from Mauritania saw the visitors almost snatch a draw against the world champions.

Argentina started on the front foot and made their breakthrough in the 17th minute. The Atletico Madrid pairing of Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina combined on the right wing before the latter’s low cross was turned in by Fernandez.

Ibrahima Keita sent a powerful first-time shot just wide of Emiliano Martinez’s left post soon after, while Argentina doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute as Paz curled his free-kick into the bottom-right corner.

Lionel Messi was introduced at the break and almost got himself onto the scoresheet, with his shot whistling past the post, though that was Argentina’s only shot after half-time as Mauritania stepped up their game.

Aboubakary Koita and Souleymane Anne both forced saves from Martinez, though Jordan Lefort managed to score with the final kick of the game in the 94th minute as he reacted quickest at the far post following a scramble in the box.

#SelecciónMayor Primer grito sagrado de Nico Paz con su querida Albiceleste

¡Y qué golazo, animal! pic.twitter.com/T8VMJlkcfS

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 28, 2026

Data Debrief: Wake-up call for Argentina

Despite having only 35.7% of possession, Mauritania produced more expected goals (0.87xG to 0.67) and recorded more shots (11 to seven), with eight of their 11 attempts and 0.76 of their xG coming in the second half.

Koita was perhaps unlucky not to register a direct goal contribution. As well as recording the joint-most shots in the match (three), he registered the most touches in the box for his side (four), created the most chances (two) and won the second-most duels (five).

Nevertheless, Argentina have now won each of their four friendly games since the end of their World Cup qualifying campaign by a scoreline of 11-1.