Argentina Face Mauritania in International Friendly: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Argentina encounters a completely unfamiliar opponent on Friday as it hosts African underdogs Mauritania in Buenos Aires for an international friendly.

La Albiceleste had originally been set to contest the 2026 La Finalissima against European champions Spain, but the event, which was planned to take place in Qatar, was called off due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. In its place, they now face FIFA's 115th-ranked side in the first of two friendly fixtures this March.

Argentina kicks off its calendar year with this match and will be expected to dismantle their visitors at the Estadio Alberto José Armando. Lionel Scaloni's men have suffered just two defeats in their last 12 outings, and the Argentina manager has assembled a formidable squad for this international window, including the talents of Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez, and Enzo Fernández.

Argentina fans can be excused for knowing little about Mauritania, a nation that has never reached the World Cup, though its recent rise has seen it qualify for three of the past four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. A draw against Tunisia last November demonstrates it can hold its own against stronger sides, though world champions Argentina represent an entirely different challenge altogether.

Argentina vs. Mauritania Score Prediction

Argentina to Thrash First-Time Visitors

Few mismatches during the March international window are as stark as this one. The two nations are separated by 113 places in the FIFA rankings and operate on entirely different levels, which points toward a comprehensive thrashing come Friday.

Even a heavily rotated Argentina squad should cruise to victory, and should Scaloni deploy a handful of his star players, it promises to be an extremely grueling evening for Mauritania.

Prediction: Argentina 5–0 Mauritania

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Mauritania

Argentina will be without Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez during this international break, his absence having been a significant issue for the Serie A pace-setters in recent weeks. Scaloni should manage without him, however, as Alvarez is set to spearhead the attack.

Juan Foyth is ruled out for the rest of the season, with Leonardo Balerdi, Giovani Lo Celso, and Gonzalo Montiel also sidelined. Additional absentees include Emi Buendía, Alan Varela, and Ángel Correa.

Messi will be targeting his 116th international goal and his first against a new opponent on Friday, while Palmeiras youngster Agustín Giay is hoping to earn his debut at the opposite end of the experience spectrum.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Mauritania (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, E. Fernández, A. Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Alvarez.

Mauritania Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

Mauritania will be missing key regulars Mouhsine Bodda, Alassane Diop, and Babacar Niasse for the journey to Buenos Aires, leaving manager López Garai without 86 caps' worth of experience for this most daunting of challenges.

The influence of captain Aly Abeid will be crucial in such a hostile environment, as will that of 59-cap Moctar Sidi El Hacen. The latter already ranks as Mauritania's seventh-most capped player in history and its second-highest all-time scorer.

Rangers attacker Djeidi Gassama is among those hoping to make his international debut after featuring regularly for the Scottish club this season.

Mauritania predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-2-3-1): B. Diop; Keita, El Abd, Ba, Abeid; Lekweiry, Hacen, Ngom, Koïta; Yade, Diallo.

What Time Does Argentina vs. Mauritania Kick Off?

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