Argentina beat Iceland as Messi scores on return from injury

The Argentina national football team ended its preparation period for the World Cup with a 3–0 victory over Iceland, where they will defend the title won four years ago in Qatar.

Star player Lionel Messi also played just over 20 minutes and scored from the penalty spot, CE Report quotes STA.

Fans in Auburn, Alabama, thus got what they wanted — an appearance by the Inter Miami star.

Messi, who will turn 39 in two weeks, has recently been dealing with a minor muscle injury after the end of the MLS season in the United States, but his participation in the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada was never in doubt.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni gave him just over 20 minutes against Iceland, and Argentina were dominant, especially in attack after the introduction of the former Barcelona and PSG star. Earlier, Valentín Barco scored in the 8th minute, and just two minutes after coming on, Messi confidently converted a penalty for his 911th career goal and his 117th for the national team in his 199th appearance. He also became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the national team. He later initiated the move for the third goal in the 86th minute from the right flank, which was finished by Thiago Almada after a pass from Rodrigo de Paul.

Argentina are among the favourites for the tournament, which will start on Thursday and run until July 19. In Group J, they will first face Algeria next Wednesday, followed by matches against Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 28).

Elsewhere, three other World Cup participants were also in action overnight. Saudi Arabia and Senegal played out a goalless draw in San Antonio, ending Senegal’s streak of 11 consecutive matches with a goal. Nicolas Jackson was also shown a red card in the 84th minute, though it will have no impact on the upcoming tournament.

Saudi Arabia will face Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde at the World Cup, while Senegal has a tough group including France, Norway, and Iraq. Iraq, meanwhile, played their final preparation match in Bridgeview, Illinois, losing 0–2 to Venezuela, with goals from Cristian Casseres and Jesus Ramirez.

Photo: Facebook/leomessi