Messi Makes Scoring Return As Argentina Defeat Iceland 3-0 In World Cup Warm-Up

Argentina completed World Cup preparations with a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s scoring return from the bench. The world champions struck early through Valentin Barco, before Messi converted a late penalty and Thiago Almada added a third in front of 88,000 fans at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama.

Messi began among the substitutes as Argentina continued to manage a recent muscle issue, but still played a decisive 20-minute spell. Iceland created several clear openings yet failed to convert, while Argentina’s sharper attacking play and stronger bench options shaped a comfortable scoreline in this final pre-tournament outing.

The Inter Miami forward had also stayed on the bench for Argentina’s earlier 2-0 friendly win over Honduras, after Lionel Scaloni stressed a desire to avoid any fitness risks. This second game offered a brief but telling run-out, suggesting Messi is ready for heavier minutes when competitive action starts.

Once introduced, Messi’s first key involvement was a cushioned throughball that sent Lautaro Martinez clear on goal. As Martinez tried to lift the ball over Elias Olafsson, the Iceland goalkeeper clipped the Inter striker, leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot for Argentina.

Messi stepped up and drove the penalty into the top-right corner, leaving Olafsson rooted. That successful kick brought Messi’s tally to 117 goals for Argentina, registered on his 199th senior appearance. The World Cup’s record appearance-maker again showed composure from 12 yards, reinforcing confidence before Argentina’s next major challenge.

Almada’s late strike also involved Messi, whose clever pass found Rodrigo De Paul on the right. De Paul overlapped into space and fired a low cross into the box, where Almada arrived to finish in the 86th minute. That goal completed a scoreline which reflected Argentina’s growing control after the break.

Messi, Argentina and World Cup build-up details

Before Argentina seized control, Iceland wasted a huge chance to take the lead. Mikael Ellertsson arrived unmarked to meet Albert Gudmundsson’s low centre but lifted the ball over an unguarded goal. Moments later, Argentina punished that miss with the opener from a crowded situation inside the six-yard box.

In the eighth minute, a goalmouth scramble ended with Barco reacting quickest. The left-sided player swung a sharp left-footed volley beyond Olafsson from close range. The strike calmed Argentina after Iceland’s early threat and allowed Scaloni’s side to dictate tempo for much of the opening half in Alabama.

Barco stayed prominent throughout the first period. Late in the half, Barco picked out Nico Paz with a neat cut-back, but Olafsson blocked well. Como playmaker Paz later delivered a dangerous cross in the 57th minute that Martinez could not quite reach on the stretch, missing by a narrow margin.

Argentina increased pressure as the match wore on. Alexis Mac Allister rattled the post with a low drive, and Martinez also struck the woodwork soon after. Those near misses came shortly before Messi’s introduction shifted momentum further, adding precision in the final third against tiring Iceland defenders.

Other squad members strengthened selection cases as Scaloni finalised World Cup plans. Barco, in particular, stood out as the only player on either side to create multiple chances. The 19-year-old now has two international goals from four appearances, underlining a growing role behind established figures like Messi and De Paul.

Messi’s impact extended beyond the scoreline. The cameo suggested improved rhythm and sharpness ahead of Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria next Tuesday. The reigning champions will expect Messi to start that match, having managed recent minutes carefully across two friendlies while still maintaining strong attacking performances.

Across these two friendlies, Argentina combined careful squad management with strong results and improved sharpness. Messi played limited minutes yet still produced a goal and an assist contribution against Iceland. With Algeria next in Group J, the world champions appear prepared, with depth options like Barco and Almada also contributing effectively.