BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — With goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz, Argentina defeated Mauritania 2-1 on Friday in a friendly match that provided an opportunity for fans to encourage captain Lionel Messi to play in his sixth World Cup.

Argentina prepared to defend its World Cup title with a hastily-scheduled friendly against Mauritania on March 27.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in action for their upcoming friendly matches. Both games will be available to stream directly on the OneFootball app. A chance to follow the World Champions up close and watch both the brilliance of the number 10 and the team’s dynamics ahead of their next international fixtures.

Football journalist Gaston Edul has revealed that Lionel Messi will not start for Argentina in their upcoming friendly clash against Mauritania.

Inter Miami have revealed that the eastern stand of their new stadium will be named after Lionel Messi. It aims to honour the Argentine forward whilst he remains on the club's playing roster. The Florida-based MLS outfit confirmed on Friday that the "Leo Messi Stand" will be formally presented to supporters when Miami host Austin FC on April 4,