Lionel Scaloni has no long-term concerns about his Argentina team after their nervy 2-1 win over Mauritania, saying he would rather see them struggle now than at the World Cup.
First-half goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz looked likely to set Argentina on their way to a dominant success at La Bombonera on Friday, but Mauritania made things tricky after the break.
Despite Lionel Messi being introduced from the bench at half-time, the minnows – who are ranked 115th in the world by FIFA – put Argentina under sustained pressure and got a goal back via Jordan Lefort with the last kick of the game.
While Argentina enjoyed a 64.3% possession share, they racked up fewer shots (seven to 11) and expected goals (0.67 xG to 1.04) than Mauritania in an uninspiring display.
But given Scaloni made eight substitutions throughout the course of the game and handed out two debuts – to defenders Gabriel Rojas and Agustin Giay – he is not overly worried about the Albiceleste's direction.
"It's true that the match was not good, that's the reality. But we drew a lot of conclusions," Scaloni said. "There are no easy opponents. Everything is useful preparation for what is coming.
"Concern in itself, no. There are things to correct, as always, and it is better that they happen now, to test us, so we see things.
"I spoke with Leo [Messi] about playing this match for a while and that [45 minutes off the bench] is what we decided.
"We didn't play a good game, that's pretty clear to me. This team can play much better, it's obvious. Individually, I am not going to go through the players one by one, but everyone played their part.
"It's true that when the team doesn't play a good game, it's difficult for you to save yourself. When the team plays well, everyone plays well, but in general, those who made their debuts – which is not easy – played their part."
Although there were plenty of familiar faces in Argentina's starting lineup on Friday, a number of new faces – including Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono and Como star Paz – have made an impression for the national team.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez was one of Argentina's youngest starters when they won the World Cup in 2022, and he will do everything he can to help their new faces settle in.
"I am very calm about this," Fernandez said. "Obviously every time I have the opportunity to talk to a new team-mate who comes, to support him, to give him confidence, to show everything he does at his club, I will.
"That is what makes up the national team, the union and the strength we have."
Argentina face Zambia in another friendly on Tuesday, as they build towards their Group J opener against Algeria at the World Cup, which is set for Kansas City on June 16.