Messi Silences Injury Concerns with Goal as Argentina Cruise Past Iceland in World Cup Tune-Up

Argentina captain Lionel Messi made an emphatic return from an injury scare, scoring within minutes of coming off the bench as the reigning world champions defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.

Messi, who had been managing muscle fatigue after exiting Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia on May 24, started the friendly among the substitutes as head coach Lionel Scaloni carefully monitored his fitness ahead of the tournament.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was joined on the bench by key players including Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, as Scaloni opted for an experimental starting line-up before a crowd at the 88,000-capacity venue.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Messi quickly eased concerns about his readiness for what is set to be his sixth appearance at the global showpiece, delivering a composed and influential 20-minute cameo.

Argentina, who begin the defence of their World Cup title against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J, survived an early scare when Iceland’s Mikael Egill Ellertsson blazed over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

The Albiceleste capitalised moments later, opening the scoring after Iceland failed to fully clear a dangerous situation inside their penalty area. The loose ball fell kindly to Strasbourg defender Valentin Barco, who fired a low effort into the bottom corner.

Nico Paz had an opportunity to extend Argentina’s lead before half-time but saw his powerful strike brilliantly stopped by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.

Scaloni introduced Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez among five changes at the interval as Argentina sought greater control of the contest.

Martinez came close to doubling the advantage on two occasions but was denied by the woodwork, striking the post twice in quick succession.

The moment the fans had been waiting for arrived in the closing stages when Messi entered the fray.

His impact was immediate. With his first significant contribution, the Inter Miami star threaded a sublime pass through to Martinez, who was brought down by Olafsson after attempting to chip the goalkeeper.

Messi stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to score his 117th international goal in what was his 199th appearance for Argentina.

The 38-year-old was instrumental again in Argentina’s third goal, supplying Rodrigo De Paul with a precise pass before the midfielder squared the ball for Thiago Almada to tap home from close range.

Messi’s impressive return will provide a major boost to Argentina’s World Cup preparations as Scaloni’s side aim to retain the title they won in Qatar.

With their captain back among the goals and appearing fully fit, the South American giants head into the tournament brimming with confidence.