New Delhi, March 28 -- With goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas 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.

Amid uncertainty about whether he will play in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada starting in June, Messi began the match on the bench at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

The 38-year-old star, who played in the second half, has said that the decision will depend on his physical condition, while coach Lionel Scaloni declared the day before that he would "do everything possible" to convince him to play.

"With Leo Messi leading the way, we're all going to celebrate," chanted the ...