Messi scores as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0

Photo: Collected

Lionel Messi scored after coming off the bench as Argentina wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iceland on Tuesday, extending their winning momentum ahead of the tournament.

Argentina took the lead in the eighth minute in Auburn, Alabama, when Valentin Barco fired home from outside the box after Iceland missed an early chance to go ahead.

Messi, who started on the bench after recovering from a muscle injury, made an immediate impact in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner won a penalty through Lautaro Martinez before converting from the spot to double Argentina's advantage.

The captain also played a key role in the third goal, combining with Martinez to set up Thiago Almada, who sealed the victory late in the match.

Messi had missed Argentina's previous warm-up game against Honduras, but his return and goal offered a timely boost to the defending world champions ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria.

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