Argentina edge Mauritania 2-1 in friendly as Messi comes off bench

KATHMANDU: Argentina defeated Mauritania 2-1 in an international friendly at the iconic Bombonera Stadium on Friday.

Star forward Lionel Messi started on the bench, while Argentina dominated early. In the 17th minute, Enzo Fernández scored from Nahuel Molina’s assist to give the home side the lead. Niko Pass added a second with a free-kick in the 32nd minute.

Messi entered in the second half, but Argentina’s attacking intensity dropped. The team failed to create meaningful chances, with Messi’s lone shot blocked by a defender. In the final minutes, Mauritania’s Jordan Lefort scored to reduce the deficit.

Argentina will next face Zambia at the Bombonera on March 31, while Mauritania will take on Palestine on the same day.

England Held 1-1 by Uruguay in Chaotic Wembley Friendly

England and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw in a turbulent friendly at Wembley Stadium. Defender Ben White returned to the national team in the 69th minute, drawing boos from some fans due to his self-imposed hiatus after the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

White changed the mood with a goal from close range off Cole Palmer’s corner with nine minutes left, putting England ahead.

However, in stoppage time, Federico Valverde converted a penalty for Uruguay following a VAR review, leveling the score.

England coach Thomas Tuchel handed debuts to goalkeeper James Trafford and midfielder James Garner.

The match saw multiple injuries: Uruguay’s Joaquín Piquerez exited early, while England’s Noni Madueke left before halftime, replaced by Jarrod Bowen.

Phil Foden was also forced off after a heavy tackle, with Cole Palmer coming on.

Despite creating chances, England missed opportunities, including a headed chance from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. England ended a six-game scoring drought, having last conceded in June 2025 against Senegal.