Lionel Messi shares snippets after Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly
Alabama, June 10
Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared a series of pictures on his Instagram handle after the defending champions' 3-0 win over Iceland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly at the Jordan-Hare Stadium on Wednesday.
The legendary footballer wrote, "Come on, let's be closer than ever."
Coming to the Warm-up fixture, La Albiceleste endured an early scare after Iceland squandered a clear scoring opportunity in the opening minutes, but the world champions soon asserted control over the contest.
Valentin Barco broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, giving Argentina an early advantage.
In the second half, Lionel Messi made an instant impact after being introduced from the bench, with his incisive pass leading to Lautaro Martinez winning a penalty. Messi then calmly converted from the spot in the 72nd minute to double Argentina's lead.
Thiago Almada later completed the scoring in the 86th minute, finishing off a well-worked move involving Messi and Martinez that dismantled Iceland's defence.
Argentina remained dominant throughout the match, heading into the World Cup on a high after a convincing final preparatory performance.
For those unversed, Messi missed Argentina's 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on June 6 despite taking part in the pre-match warm-up, as he was recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
The Inter Miami forward had joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during his club's MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.
Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wait, Iceland is still a team? Thought they disappeared after Euro 2016 😂 But seriously, Messi coming off the bench and still bossing the game - that's what legends do. Argentina's depth is incredible.
I love how Messi keeps posting these motivational messages before big tournaments! "Come on, let's be closer than ever" - such a team player. But I'm a bit worried about that hamstring issue, hope he's fully fit for the World Cup. Argentina vs Algeria will be massive.
Look, I'm a Brazil fan but have to give credit where it's due - Messi is GOAT. That pass for the penalty and then scoring himself, just showing why he's still irreplaceable. Though honestly, managing his minutes like this is smart at his age. Argentina might actually go back-to-back!
Messi's Instagram posts are always so wholesome. 🇦🇷 Argentina looking sharp! Barco's goal was a stunner, and Almada finishing well too. The team has so many young talents coming through. But I wish Messi had started instead of coming off the bench - though I guess managing his fitness is smart.
As a US-based fan, seeing Argentina play at Jordan-Hare Stadium was awesome. Messi's penalty was vintage - calm, collected, perfect placement. That Iceland chance in the first minute could have changed everything though. Football is such a game of fine margins.
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