Argentina vs Iceland FIFA World Cup Warm-up 2026 Match highlights: Despite coming on as a second half substitute, Lionel Messi scored a goal and helped create another in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Iceland in their friendly. Messi goal — Argentina’s second — came within seconds of him coming on in the second half of the friendly. Messi earned Argentina a penalty and then slotted it effortlessly to double Argentina’s lead. Then, he played a role in Argentina’s third goal.
Earlier, Argentina had surged 1-0 ahead as early as the 8th minute, thanks to a Valentín Barco goal. The defending world champions are playing their last warm-up before the start of their title defence in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Messi, who had joined the team after dealing with fatigue in his left hamstring, had been an unused substitute in the La Albiceleste’s last warm-up fixture vs Honduras. However, he had taken part in the pre-match warmup activities in College Station, Texas. Argentina coach Lionel Scallni confirmed ahead of the Iceland match that Messi would play but remained coy on the duration of his stay on the pitch.
Argentina, who won their World Cup 4 years ago in Qatar after beating France in the final, have been placed in Group J in the 2026 edition where they’ll face Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
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