Argentina ease past Iceland as Messi marks comeback with goal

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The world champions extended their winning streak to seven matches with the victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, where a crowd of more than 88,000 watched Lionel Scaloni’s side complete their preparations for the tournament.

Messi started on the bench as Argentina carefully managed his recovery after the Inter Miami forward exited a club match against Philadelphia on May 24 with muscle fatigue.

Argentina took the lead in the eighth minute when Valentín Barco reacted quickest after Iceland failed to clear a goalmouth scramble, firing into the bottom corner from inside the box.

Iceland had earlier missed a golden opportunity to go ahead when Mikael Egill Ellertsson blasted over with the goal at his mercy.

Nico Paz came close to doubling Argentina’s lead before the break, but his powerful effort was stopped by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.

Scaloni made several changes at half-time, introducing Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez as Argentina looked to increase their advantage.

Martinez struck the post twice before Messi finally entered the match in the 70th minute, replacing Giuliano Simeone to a loud reception from the crowd.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made an immediate impact. His precise through ball released Martinez, who was brought down by Olafsson inside the penalty area.

Messi stepped up and converted the resulting penalty in the 72nd minute to score his 117th international goal and put Argentina 2-0 ahead.

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The forward continued to influence proceedings and helped create Argentina’s third goal late in the game. His pass found Rodrigo De Paul, who squared for Thiago Almada to tap home in the 86th minute.

The comfortable victory completed Argentina’s World Cup warm-up schedule on a positive note as Scaloni continues to manage minor fitness concerns within his squad.

Argentina will begin the defence of their World Cup title against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in their remaining Group J matches.

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