Football fans everywhere can feel the energy building as Argentina gets set to face Mauritania in a friendly this Friday, March 27, 2026. The match goes down at La Bombonera one of the world’s most famous stadiums and it’s no casual occasion. This is Argentina’s last stretch before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the defending champs are treating it seriously.
All eyes are on Lionel Messi. Now 38 and four caps shy of 200he looks primed to start after rejoining the national team. Sources from training in Buenos Aires say Messi’s been flat-out, working closely with his teammates. He’s expected to line up either next to Julián Álvarez or to drop deeper and pull the strings behind the striker. In fact, nearly every predicted lineup has Messi right there in the attack.
Coach Lionel Scaloni isn’t messing around. He’s sticking with his best, rolling out a likely starting XI that features Emiliano Martínez in goala solid backline with Molina, Romero, Otamendi, and Tagliafico; midfielders De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Mac Allister; and up top, a trio of Thiago Almada, Messi, and Álvarez.
With Messi possibly appearing for one of his last matches in Argentina before the World Cup, emotions are running high. You can almost feel the buzz as tickets, unsurprisingly, vanish fast. Fans want a glimpse of their captain before the big tournament
Facing Mauritania doesn’t bring the same heat as a heavyweight duel, but it’s perfect for Scaloni to tinker with his lineup and give his stars some breathing room, without much risk. For the fans, it’s one more chance to see Messi weave his magic at home
Some players have been nursing minor injuries Lautaro Martínez, for example, is dealing with a calf problem but Messi’s spot in the lineup looks about as certain as it gets. Expect him to either go the distance or play until the crowd gets their fill.
Match Details:
• Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
• Venue: La Bombonera, Buenos Aires.
• Broadcast: yet to be announced
The official lineup drops soon.
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