Messi scores as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly
Alabama, June 10
Defending champions Argentina concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations in emphatic fashion, securing a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up friendly on Wednesday.
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.
Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Iceland had that early chance, but after that Argentina just took over. Barco's goal was a rocket! 🔥 Really excited to see how far this team goes in USA and Mexico.
Nice to see Argentina winning but honestly, Iceland didn't put up much of a fight. The real test will be against Algeria and Jordan in the group stage. Let's see if they can handle tougher opponents.
That build-up for Almada's goal was pure artistry! Messi, Martinez, and then the finish. 👌 Makes me want to stay up and watch all their World Cup matches, even if they're at 3 AM in India!
Good to see Messi getting minutes after that hamstring scare. Argentina's depth is incredible - Alvarez, Martinez, Almada all can score. But I'm worried about the defence against fast counter-attacking teams. Otamendi isn't getting any younger.
Remember when Iceland beat Argentina in 2018? 😅 How times have changed. Now Argentina are the defending champions and Iceland are just a warm-up opponent. Football is crazy, yaar.
Decent performance but I'm not fully convinced yet. The midfield still looks a bit shaky when pressed. Scotland did well against
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