Argentina 2-1 Mauritania: Scaloni reprimands his players despite the victory

Despite the victory, the tone was far from triumphant. Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni didn’t hide his dissatisfaction after the 2-1 win over Mauritania in a friendly, played Friday at La Bombonera. Powered by goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, the world champions did what needed to be done in front of their fans. But in terms of the display, the performance left something to be desired.

Coming on in the second half, Lionel Messi failed to make a difference, mirroring a team broadly lacking in rhythm and inspiration. At the final whistle, Scaloni was clear-eyed and demanding: “We didn’t play a good game. We weren’t at our level. We have to admit it and we have to improve.” A clear warning to the Albiceleste, who will next face Zambia on Wednesday, still as part of their preparations.