The Argentine national team confirmed the two friendlies it will play during the Fifa international break in March. The team led by Lionel Scaloni will face Mauritânia on Friday, the 27th, at 8:15 pm, and Zâmbia on Tuesday, the 31st, at the same time. Ambas matches will take place at the La Bombonera stadium, in Buenos Aires, and represent the team’s last commitments in the country before Copa of Mundo in 2026.
The organization of the games took place quickly to fill the date Fifa which runs from March 23rd to 31st. Argentina had not played official matches in La Bombonera since 2014, when they beat Peru 1-0 with a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the qualifiers. Desde the opening of the stadium in 1940, the team played there on 36 occasions, recording 25 wins, eight draws and three defeats. The return to the Boca Juniors temple marks a symbolic moment for the group that seeks to maintain the competitive pace.
Details of the clashes and rivals’ position
The opponents offer preparation clashes with obvious technical differences. Mauritânia occupies 115th place in the Fifa ranking and finished fifth in its African qualifying group, with one win, five draws and four defeats. Zâmbia appears in 91st place and was fourth in its group, without advancing to the repechage. Nenhum of both teams represents a high level test, but serves for tactical and physical adjustments.
Argentina has never faced Mauritânia or Zâmbia in its history. In total, Albiceleste played 24 official games against African teams, with a predominance of victories. The overall record against the continent records 17 wins, three draws and three defeats. The biggest defeat happened in 2017, against Nigéria, 4-2, in Krasnodar, in the 2018 Copa qualifier.
Call includes Messi and breaking news
Lionel Scaloni released the squad list with established names and some surprises. Entre the goalkeepers are Emiliano Martínez, from Aston Villa, Gerónimo Rulli, from Olympique from The defense has Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Otamendi,
In midfield appear Leandro Paredes, Máximo Perrone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Valentín Barco, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz and The attack brings together Lionel Messi, Gianluca Prestianni, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, José López, Mastantuono and Panichelli were incorporated into the list later.
Recent history on La Bombonera
The team’s last match at Bombonera took place more than a decade ago. On that occasion, the team beat Peru with a solitary goal from Lautaro Martínez. The stadium, located in the neighborhood of La Boca, carries a historical weight for Argentine football and for the fans who have followed the team since the 1940s.
The numbers accumulated over the years reinforce the strength of Argentina at home. Of the 36 appearances, the team won most of the time and suffered few defeats. Esse positive record fuels expectations for duels against African teams.
Preparation for Copa of Mundo
Friendlies serve as an opportunity for Scaloni to test combinations and give minutes to players in different positions. The presence of Messi, at 38 years old, remains central to the project, while younger names like Mastantuono, just 18 years old, and other talents gain space in the selection routine.
The team seeks to maintain the high standard demonstrated in recent competitions. With the Copa of the Mundo approaching, each commitment helps to fine-tune the team and integrate the squad members who play in different European and South American leagues.
Tactical aspects of clashes
Games against Mauritânia and Zâmbia allow the coach to explore offensive and defensive variations without great pressure on the result. Argentina has an experienced cast, but also promises that need international filming.
The distribution of minutes between athletes will be important to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Scaloni usually rotates the team in friendlies, giving reserves and youngsters the opportunity to show their potential.
Retrospect against Africans
Nigéria leads the ranking of African opponents faced by Argentina, with nine duels, many of them in Copas of Mundo. Outros opponents include Marrocos, Costa of Marfim, África of Sul, Angola, and Camarões. Esses meetings helped build a favorable record, despite some occasional defeats.
The only significant recent defeat against an African team was against Nigéria in 2017. Naquele game, Otamendi acted as a starter and Paredes came on the bench, the two being the only ones remaining in the current squad.
Logistics and importance of games
The matches take place at local nighttime times in Buenos Aires, favoring the presence of fans at Bombonera. The quick organization of friendlies demonstrates the ability of Associação of Futebol Argentino to adjust the international agenda.
These duels close the last date Fifa before Mundial. The team arrives with high morale after solid campaigns and seeks to maintain the relationship between veterans and new names.
Full roster by position
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso. Defensores: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Meio-campers: Leandro Paredes, Máximo Perrone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Valentín Barco, Atacantes: Lionel Messi, Gianluca Prestianni, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone,
The list reflects a balance between experience and youth. Vários athletes work in high-level clubs at Europa, which enriches collective training.
Fan expectations
The team’s return to La Bombonera generates great enthusiasm among fans. The historic stadium should receive a significant audience to support the team in both commitments.
The presence of Messi motivates the fans even more, who see these games as an opportunity to celebrate the captain before the most important tournament of the year.
Focus on training
Scaloni should take advantage of concentration days to work on specific aspects. The defense, midfield and attack will receive special attention to ensure compactness and efficiency.
Friendlies also serve to observe the individual performance of players seeking space in the starting team.
Argentina continues with detailed planning towards Copa of Mundo. The duels against Mauritânia and Zâmbia are part of this preparation and contribute to the group’s continuous evolution.
