- Messi scored on his return after recent injury concerns.
- Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in final World Cup warm-up.
- World champions now turn focus to Algeria opener.
Lionel Messi returned from a recent injury scare in style, scoring as Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the world champions defeated Iceland on Tuesday, June 9, at a packed stadium in Auburn, Alabama, with Messi making a strong statement after concerns over his fitness.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted to start the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner on the bench as part of a cautious approach to his recovery. Messi had sparked fears about his World Cup readiness after being forced off during Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia on May 24 due to muscle fatigue.
However, the Argentina captain quickly silenced any doubts, producing an impressive cameo appearance and scoring his 117th international goal in his 199th match for the national team.
Scaloni fielded an experimental starting lineup, leaving key players including Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister among the substitutes.
Iceland nearly stunned the defending champions in the opening minutes when Mikael Egill Ellertsson found himself in a promising position but blasted his effort over the crossbar.
Argentina capitalised on that missed opportunity and took the lead through Valentin Barco. The defender reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area after Iceland failed to clear their lines, firing into the bottom corner.
Young midfielder Nico Paz nearly doubled Argentina’s advantage before halftime, but Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson produced a brave save to keep his side in the contest.
Argentina increased the tempo after the break, with Fernandez, Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez introduced from the bench. Martinez came close to scoring twice but was denied by the woodwork on both occasions.
The moment the crowd had anticipated arrived in the final stages when Lionel Messi entered the match. His influence was immediate.
Messi’s first contribution was a precise pass that released Martinez, who was brought down by Olafsson. Minutes later, the Argentine superstar got on the scoresheet himself, calmly finishing to make it 2-0.
The 38-year-old was also involved in Argentina’s third goal, threading a pass to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared the ball for Thiago Almada to tap into an empty net.
The victory provides a significant boost for Argentina ahead of the start of their World Cup title defence. Messi looked sharp and confident during his brief appearance, offering further encouragement before the Albiceleste open their campaign against Algeria on June 16. Argentina will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
