Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni offered a blunt assessment of his team’s performance following their narrow 2-1 friendly win against Mauritania on Friday.
Despite securing the victory at La Bombonera, Scaloni insisted the reigning World Cup champions fell short of their usual standards.
Goals from Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz were enough to see off the African side in Buenos Aires.
Notably, captain Lionel Messi began the match on the bench and was unable to find the net after being introduced in the second half.
Speaking post-match, Scaloni told Fabrizio Romano: “We did not play a good game. We were not at our level. We have to admit that, and we have to improve.”
The Albiceleste will look to sharpen their form before facing another African opponent, Zambia, this coming Wednesday.