Messi Returns With Great Feeling As Argentina Savours World Cup Preparations

Lionel Messi came off the bench, scored a penalty and then reported feeling fully comfortable as Argentina defeated Iceland in a World Cup warm-up in Alabama. The Inter Miami forward converted from the spot soon after entering, maintaining Argentina’s perfect record from two pre-tournament friendlies and underlining optimism for their title defence at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi had not played since a muscle problem for Inter Miami in MLS last month, so Argentina started cautiously by naming Messi among the substitutes. Any concern eased almost instantly. Within 118 seconds, Messi slipped Lautaro Martinez through on goal, Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson conceded a penalty, and Messi then fired into the top-right corner.

After the match at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Messi underlined that the recent injury issue no longer weighed on the mind and that the build-up feels special. Messi said: "I've been enjoying it from the start. I'm happy, savouring every moment and excited as ever. I felt great. I'd been keen to play for a while, having been carrying that niggle since I arrived. I was eager to get going and shake off the lingering fears you have when you're carrying an injury, so I could play freely. We've got a week left to get everyone fit and ready for the opener."

The impact in Alabama continued a strong pattern in World Cup preparation. Argentina now have two wins from two friendlies before beginning the defence of the trophy won in Qatar in 2022. Messi again showed sharpness from the penalty spot, while the understanding with Lautaro Martinez helped create immediate pressure on Iceland’s defence after the substitution on 69 minutes.

Messi is already out on his own for World Cup appearances, with 26 matches played. Another strong tournament could also bring the all-time scoring record. Messi sits on 13 World Cup goals and needs four more to overtake Miroslav Klose, who leads the charts at present.

That pursuit comes after a decisive role at the 2022 World Cup. During that victorious campaign, Messi either scored or assisted 10 of Argentina’s 15 goals, finishing with seven goals and three assists. Messi is expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa among players potentially featuring at a sixth edition of the tournament.

Messi World Cup prospects and Argentina probabilities

Forecasts still place Argentina among the main challengers but not as outright favourites. According to the Opta supercomputer, Argentina currently have a 10% chance of winning the World Cup. Spain, France and England are given slightly higher probabilities, as shown below.

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Messi believes the mindset within the Argentina camp is similar to 2022. Messi said: "We have a lot of hope, as always, whenever a competition begins, especially a World Cup," he said. "It's a real winning team that always wants more. We'll take it step by step, as always, but with great enthusiasm, hope and conviction in what we're capable of. This group deserves everything that's happening to us. We're going to give it our all, just as we always have; let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that we'll give it our all, just as we've been doing all this time. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, but we've been fortunate enough to have positive results in recent years. Have no doubt that our opponents will find it hard to beat us, because this is a very competitive national team."

Argentina now move into the final week of training before their opening match, with fitness the main focus and confidence high after the Iceland win. Messi’s clean bill of health, long list of World Cup records and stated belief in the group leave Argentina well placed for another deep run at the tournament.