Argentina secured a 2-1 friendly win over Mauritania with goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, while fans passionately urged Lionel Messi to feature in a sixth FIFA World Cup. Messi started on the bench but entered in the second half, receiving huge support as uncertainty remains about his participation in the 2026 tournament.
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Argentina Beats Mauritania as Fans Urge Lionel Messi for Sixth World Cup
Argentina is the reigning world champion after lifting the World Cup in 2022, and Lionel Scaloni’s side are once again among the favorites to go all the way when the tournament heads to North America this summer. However, La Albiceleste may have to defend their crown without their talisman, Lionel Messi.

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As things stand, it remains uncertain whether the Inter Miami forward—widely regarded as the—will feature for Argentina, leaving fans anxiously awaiting a decision with the tournament fast approaching. Here’s everything you need to know about Messi’s potential inclusion in Argentina’s World Cup squad, and what the forward himself has said about possibly taking part.
FIFA 2026 Tickets: Leonel Messi Assist Helps Enzo Fernandez Open Scoring for Argentina
With Leo Messi leading the way, we’re all going to rejoice, chanted the Argentine crowd as the star player came onto the field for his warm-up. Then, from one of the stands, a banner was unfurl with the message The best of the century. Paz, responsible for set pieces in Messi’s absence, took a left-footed free kick that slipped through the staying wall and gave no chance for the opposite goalkeeper, Babacar Diop, to react in the 32nd minute.
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Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when right-back Nahuel Molina, who plays for Atlético Madrid, sent a cross into the box that Enzo Fernández exploited on against Diop. For the second half, Scaleni sent Messi and Franco Mastantuono, a young Real Madrid talent vying for a place on the World Cup roster, onto the field.
With the cheaper teams now booked, Mauritania, 115th in the FIFA rankings, and Zambia, 91st, their opponent next Tuesday at the same stadium, emerged as options for the World Cup champions to say goodbye to their fans and for Scaleni to finalize the squad that will defend its title. Nationwide teams have until May 30 to submit their official 26-player rosters for the World Cup. Read to click read more Argentina vs Algeria Tickets
Soccer World Cup Tickets: Leonel Messi Experience and 600 Career Goals Prove Decisive in Key Moment
When things were receiving worried, when it looked like Inter Miami’s much-hyped housewarming party at Nu Stadium Saturday night might end with a loss to Austin FC, coach Javier Mascherano surveyed his bench and called over a familiar face: 39-year-old Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. He sent. Suarez entered the game in the 73rd minute and nine minutes later scored the leveling goal, volleying in a rebound from close range after a head flick by German Bertram off a corner kick.
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Suarez unleashed a roar, pumped both fists, and was swarm by his jubilant and relieved teammates. Then, in the 90th minute, with the score tied 2-2, Suarez and Lionel Messi nearly combined on what would have been the game-winner. Messi’s free kick clanged off the crossbar and Suarez put in the recoil, but it was ruled offside.
Argentina AP with goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Paz, Argentina beat Mauritania 2-1 on Friday in a friendly match that provided a chance for fans to encourage captain Lionel Messi to play in his sixth World Cup. Amid uncertainty about whether he will play in the contest in the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting in June, Messi began the match on the bench at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
Football World Cup Tickets: Leonel Messi Scores Late Equalizer for Inter Miami CF Against Austin FC
Asked about the decision to bring in Suarez at that point in the game, Mascherano clarified: We wanted to give Telesco Segovia a rest and needed more players in the area rather than in the midfield, so we brought in Luis and you see what he did. Two balls fell to him, and he scored on both, though tactlessly one was offside. He has scored 600 goals in his career. We needed to create chances and decided to have Luis up there with German.

Messi’s close friend and longtime FC Barcelona colleague, Suarez was relegated to the bench during the playoff run to the 2025 MLS Cup title and has remained there for much of this season so far. Mascherano opted to play minus a natural striker at the end of last season and utilize Messi as a deep-lying forward false nine who could also create, edged by young, speedy, energetic Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende.
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1. Who is gaining attention after Argentina FIFA 2026 qualification?
Vincenzo Montella gained attention after guiding Argentina to qualification for FIFA 2026, improving his reputation as a coach capable of building a competitive team.
2. Why is Montella experience considered valuable?
His success with Argentina showed he can manage pressure, create stability, and build a structured team for long-term FIFA 2026 planning.
3. Which other coaches are being considered?
Other experienced managers include Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Massimiliano Allegri.
4. What makes these coaches strong candidates?
They bring experience in major tournaments, strong tactical understanding, and leadership qualities that can help build a balanced team.
5. What tactical styles are being compared?
Mancini is known for attacking football, while Allegri prefers tactical control, and others offer different blends of defensive organization and creativity.
6. What major setback affected the United States?
Striker Patrick Agyemang suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury, which may keep him out of FIFA 2026.
7. During which match did Agyemang get injured?
He was injured while playing for Derby County in a match against Stoke City.
8. How does Agyemang’s absence impact the squad?
His injury reduces attacking depth, forcing coaches to rethink tactics and identify alternative strikers.
9. What steps will the United States take after the injury?
The coaching staff will review player form, test new formations, and give opportunities to younger players during preparation matches.
10. How can I sell FIFA World Cup Tickets online?
You can safely sell FIFA World Cup Tickets on platforms like xchangetickets.com. It connects buyers and sellers with a secure and easy process.