Messi scores twice in 20-minute return as Argentina beats Iceland 3-0 in final World Cup warm-up
Lionel Messi needed only two minutes after coming off the bench to score and assist, easing fears about his fitness six days before Argentina opens its World Cup defence against Algeria.
A stormy start in Alabama
A violent thunderstorm hours before kickoff flooded the pitch in Auburn, Alabama, and nearly forced the match to be cancelled. Ground staff and the stadium drainage system worked to make the surface playable in time. Once the game began, Argentina took control early.
Barco opens the scoring
With Messi and Julián Álvarez both absent from the starting lineup, 21-year-old Strasbourg midfielder Valentín Barco stepped up. He scored his second international goal in the 8th minute, finishing cleanly at the near post after a scramble in the box. Iceland had threatened moments earlier when Ellertsson's close-range volley sailed over the crossbar of Gerónimo Rulli, who started in place of the injured Emiliano Martínez.
Messi's instant impact
Messi entered in the 70th minute for his 199th cap, having missed the previous friendly against Honduras with Achilles tendon pain sustained at Inter Miami. Within 53 seconds he threaded a pass to Lautaro Martínez, who was fouled by goalkeeper Elías Ólafsson. Messi converted the penalty himself in the 72nd minute, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Argentina's history at 38 (he turns 39 on 24 June).
The iconic 38-year-old player needed only 53 seconds to slip a decisive pass to Lautaro Martinez, who earned a penalty.
Lautaro Martínez drives the attack
Martínez, on at halftime, hit the post in the 66th minute and was involved in several dangerous sequences. Alexis Mac Allister also struck the woodwork. The Inter Milan forward's movement and hold-up play created space throughout the second half.
Almada seals it late
Messi initiated the move for Argentina's third goal, with Rodrigo De Paul carrying the ball forward before Thiago Almada finished in the 86th minute. The 3-0 scoreline reflected Argentina's control after Iceland's early chance.
World Cup path ahead
Argentina begins its title defence on 16 June against Algeria in Group J, followed by Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 27 June. The team sits atop the FIFA rankings ahead of Spain and France. No nation has ever won the World Cup while holding the number-one ranking at the tournament's start since the ranking system began in 1992.
- Valentín Barco scores from close range (8')
- Lionel Messi enters the match (70')
- Messi converts penalty after foul on Lautaro Martínez (72')
- Thiago Almada finishes a move started by Messi (86')
In other preparation action, Venezuela beat Iraq 2-0 in Bridgeview. Iraq finished with ten men after Ali Yousif's 72nd-minute red card. Iraq faces Norway, France, and Senegal in Group I.
