The Argentina team closed its preparation stage for the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Iceland in a friendly played at the Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. The match marked Lionel Messi's return to the field after the injury recently suffered with Inter Miami and left the current world champion ready for his debut at the international event.

The team led by Lionel Scaloni presented an alternative formation at the start of the match, although they managed to quickly take control of the game. The reward came in the eighth minute, when Valentín Barco took advantage of a rebound near the area and beat goalkeeper Elías Rafn Ólafsson with a shot that opened the scoring.

For much of the first half, the Albiceleste monopolized possession of the ball and controlled the timing of the game. However, despite generating favorable situations, they were unable to extend the lead before the break against an opponent who offered little offensive resistance.

Changes, return of Messi and a new historical mark

The second half presented a different picture. Scaloni made six entry changes, incorporating several regular starters. Cristian Romero reinforced the defense, while Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul entered to give greater dynamism to the midfield.

The moment most anticipated by the fans came in the 69th minute, when Lionel Messi jumped onto the pitch. Just one minute after his entry, the Argentine captain participated in a decisive action. Lautaro Martínez received a clearance and was knocked down inside the area by the Icelandic goalkeeper, which led to a penalty awarded by American referee Rosendo Mendoza.

Messi took over the execution and converted from eleven steps to establish the partial 2-0. The goal had a special meaning beyond the result, as it allowed him to become the oldest player to score a goal with the Argentine national team shirt.

The Inter Miami forward scored at the age of 38 years, 11 months and 14 days, surpassing the record that belonged to Ángel Amadeo Labruna. The historic River Plate attacker had set the mark on July 7, 1957, when he scored against Brazil at the Maracaná stadium at the age of 38 years, 9 months and 8 days.

Argentina closed the night with another action starring its captain. At 86 minutes, Messi participated in a combination with Lautaro Martínez that ended with an assist for Thiago Almada, responsible for sealing the final 3-0.

With this result, the Argentine team will conclude its preparation and will move to Kansas City to continue its World Cup training camp. There he will await his debut in Group J, scheduled for next Tuesday against Algeria. Austria and Jordan complete the group of defending champions.

Iceland, for its part, will now focus its attention on the UEFA Nations League. Their next official commitment will be on June 29, when they face Estonia in Group H of the continental tournament.