Argentina wrapped up their World Cup preparations on a positive note with a convincing 3-0 victory over Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, as captain Lionel Messi marked his return from a recent fitness concern with an immediate impact.
The reigning world champions entered the friendly amid questions over Messi’s condition after the veteran forward left an Inter Miami match against Philadelphia on May 24 due to muscle fatigue.
However, those concerns quickly faded as the Argentine icon came off the bench to score and create another goal during a dazzling late appearance.
Scaloni Experiments with Line-Up Ahead of Tournament Opener
With Argentina preparing to defend their World Cup crown, head coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rotate several key players.
Messi began the contest among the substitutes, alongside Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.
The decision allowed Scaloni to assess alternative options before Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture against Algeria on June 16.
The South Americans will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Iceland Miss Early Opportunity Before Argentina Strike
The match could have taken a different turn in the opening minutes when Mikael Egill Ellertsson found himself with a clear chance in front of goal.
However, the Icelandic attacker fired over the crossbar with the net at his mercy.
Argentina capitalized on that reprieve soon afterward.
A chaotic sequence inside Iceland’s penalty area ended with the ball falling kindly for Valentín Barco, who drilled a low effort into the corner to hand his side an early advantage.
Missed Chances Keep Scoreline Close
Despite controlling much of the first half, Argentina failed to extend their lead before the break.
Young midfielder Nico Paz was presented with a golden opportunity while deputizing for Messi but could not find a way past Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.
Olafsson produced a brave save, using his face to block Paz’s powerful attempt.
At halftime, Scaloni reshuffled his team, introducing Fernández, Mac Allister and several other regular starters.
Among those entering the match was striker Lautaro Martínez, who came agonizingly close to scoring on two occasions but was denied by the woodwork both times.
Messi Changes the Match Within Moments of Arrival
The crowd, packed into the 88,000-capacity venue, eagerly awaited Messi’s introduction, and the Argentine captain did not disappoint.
Only moments after stepping onto the field, Messi delivered a trademark through ball that released Martínez behind the Iceland defense.
The forward attempted to chip the goalkeeper but was brought down by Olafsson as the ball drifted wide.
When the resulting opportunity arrived, Messi showed his usual composure, calmly finding the net to register his 117th goal for Argentina.
The strike came on his 199th international appearance and served as a reassuring sign ahead of the World Cup.
Almada Completes Comfortable Victory
Messi’s influence did not end with his goal. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was also involved in Argentina’s final strike of the evening.
A precise pass from the captain set Rodrigo De Paul free down the flank.
De Paul then squared the ball across goal for Thiago Almada, who finished from close range to complete a comfortable 3-0 win.
The result gives Argentina valuable momentum heading into their title defense, while Messi’s sharp cameo provides further confidence that the team’s talisman will be ready when the tournament begins.
