Messi returns from injury, fires Argentina past Iceland in World Cup warm-up

Lionel Messi marked his return from an injury scare with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score on his injury return as Argentina eased past Iceland 3-0 in an international friendly played in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old had been a fitness concern after he was forced off during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia on May 24 due to muscle fatigue.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni started Messi on the bench, alongside Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, as he tested an experimental line-up before the World Cup.

But Messi, who is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, needed only a short cameo to calm concerns over his fitness.

Iceland had an early chance to take the lead when Mikael Egill Ellertsson fired over from close range, but Argentina soon punished them.

Valentin Barco opened the scoring after Iceland failed to properly clear a scramble inside their box, allowing the Strasbourg defender to fire low into the bottom corner.

Nico Paz missed a chance to double Argentina’s lead before half-time when his powerful effort was stopped by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.

Scaloni made five changes at the break, introducing Fernandez, Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez.

Martinez twice hit the post as Argentina continued to dominate, but the crowd had to wait until the final quarter of the game to see Messi.

The Argentina captain made an instant impact, playing a brilliant pass to Martinez, who was brought down by Olafsson after attempting to chip the ball wide.

Messi then made no mistake from the spot, scoring his 117th international goal on his 199th appearance for Argentina.

He was also involved in Argentina’s third goal, releasing Rodrigo De Paul, who squared the ball for Thiago Almada to tap in.

Argentina will begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.