Lionel Messi Scores Penalty in Friendly Match One Day Before World Cup Begins
In their final warm-up match before the World Cup, Argentina thrashed Iceland 3-0. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half, won and converted a penalty, and also contributed to the third goal, confirming his readiness to defend the championship title.
Final Rehearsal for the Champions: Messi Scores, Argentina Crushes Iceland Ahead of World Cup Opener
Main Event
A few days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the reigning world champions—Argentina—held their final dress rehearsal, meant to dispel any doubts about their form and readiness to defend the title won in Qatar four years earlier. The match ended in a 3-0 rout of Iceland, and the highlight of the evening was Lionel Messi's appearance on the pitch and his goal, personally confirming that he is in good shape and ready for his sixth World Cup.
The friendly, held on the night of June 9-10 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, drew nearly 90,000 fans eager to see their idol. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni chose not to risk his leader from the start. Messi, who had recovered from muscle fatigue and a minor strain in his left hamstring sustained in his last match for Inter Miami on May 24, began the game on the bench.
Without their captain on the field, however, the Albiceleste had no trouble from the first minutes. The score was opened in the 8th minute. After a set piece and chaos in the penalty area, Brighton's young talent Valentín Barco picked up the ball and fired a powerful volley from outside the box into the far corner—1-0. This early goal completely freed Scaloni's men, allowing them to play with pleasure and control the match.
Argentina dominated throughout the 90 minutes, holding over 70% possession and creating 18 goal-scoring chances against Iceland's meager five. Iceland, who once frustrated Argentina in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup (a 1-1 draw where Messi missed a penalty), this time had absolutely nothing to offer against the world champions. But the main action unfolded only in the second half, when the crowd finally saw the 38-year-old maestro enter the pitch.
Details and Statistics
Lionel Messi's introduction in the 70th minute, replacing Giuliano Simeone, was a turning point that turned a confident victory into a showcase for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Just a minute after coming on, Messi reminded everyone why he is called an "alien"—his brilliant pass sliced through the Icelandic defense and sent Lautaro Martínez one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Iceland goalkeeper Elías Ólafsson fouled the Inter striker, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Key Match Statistics: Argentina vs. Iceland
| Metric | Argentina | Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 3 | 0 |
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Total Shots | 18 | 5 |
| Corners | 8 | 2 |
| Goal-scoring chances | 12 | 2 |
In the 72nd minute, Messi stepped up to the ball. The calm he displayed bordered on absolute coolness. With his left foot, he sent the ball into the top corner—the "nine"—where the goalkeeper couldn't reach it. The score became 2-0, but as it turned out, Messi was just getting started.
Lionel Messi's Individual Match Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 20 (subbed on at 70') |
| Goals | 1 (penalty) |
| Assists | 1 (pass before the penalty) |
| Jersey number | 10 |
| Career total goals | 911 |
| Goals for Argentina | 117 |
This goal was Messi's 117th for Argentina. Additionally, it was his 911th in professional career, of which 672 were scored for Barcelona, 90 for Inter Miami, and 32 for Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the most impressive fact was not just the goal tally but the record set. At 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old (just over two weeks shy of his 39th birthday), Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score for Argentina. This record clearly shows that for Messi, age is just a number, and his impact on the game remains immense.
Context and Significance
For Argentina, this victory was an ideal psychological warm-up before the tournament. The team that ended a 36-year drought in Qatar 2022 and became world champions for the third time now aims for a fourth title. Coach Lionel Scaloni used this match not only to keep his leaders sharp but also to test the reserves.
Special attention should be paid to the performances of young stars. Valentín Barco, who scored the first goal, and Thiago Almada, who netted the third in the 86th minute after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, proved that the Argentine "school" continues to produce world-class talent. Almada, who is having an excellent season, finished off a teammate's pass to set the final score at 3-0, cementing the champions' dominance.
It's worth noting that Scaloni deliberately experimented with the lineup, giving his leaders a rest. The starting XI included Gerónimo Rulli, Agustín Giay, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, and Nico Paz. Many of these players will be vying for starting spots against tougher opponents.
This victory also served as a symbolic revenge for the 2018 draw. At the World Cup in Russia, Iceland, then one of European football's biggest surprises, managed to take points from Argentina. Messi missed a penalty that day, and that miss haunted the team for a long time. Eight years later, the penalty was scored, history was rewritten, and the Argentines head into the tournament with a clear conscience and immense confidence.
What's Next / Next Match Preview
Argentina will play their first official match of the 2026 World Cup on June 16 (night of June 17-18 Moscow time) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Their opponent will be Algeria. The match kicks off at 8:00 AM Moscow time.
Group J, which includes Argentina, also features Austria and Jordan. The current Group J standings (before the start of games) are as follows:
| Position | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF:GA | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0:0 | 0 |
| 2 | Algeria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0:0 | 0 |
| 3 | Austria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0:0 | 0 |
| 4 | Jordan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0:0 | 0 |
The big question on every Argentina fan's mind is how Lionel Messi has approached the tournament. The friendly against Iceland provided a clear answer: he is ready. Messi not only scored but also actively participated in combinations, delivered sharp passes, and moved as if he were 28, not 38. However, it's worth noting that the veteran's workload will be strictly managed.
The coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, has already indicated they do not intend to rush things. Messi will likely start the tournament in the starting lineup, but his playing time will be carefully controlled, especially in the group stage, where the minimum goal is to reach the knockout rounds. The main objective is to bring the captain to peak condition for the elimination matches, where the margin for error is minimal and the team will need all of its leader's genius.
Besides Argentina, other giants will also play their matches on the same day. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule: France vs. Wales, Brazil vs. Ukraine, and Portugal vs. Peru. However, the match between the reigning champions and Algeria is seen by analysts as a potential "trap"—the North African team is known for its disciplined defense and tenacious midfield, which could cause plenty of trouble even for Argentina's stars.
Editorial Prediction
The friendly victory over Iceland is an important psychological boost, but nothing more. The level of resistance in official matches will be completely different, and Scaloni knows that well. However, the fact that Messi returned from injury and immediately displayed top form inspires optimism.
The editorial team believes Argentina is the clear favorite not only in Group J but also for the entire tournament. Despite Messi's advanced age, support from Lautaro Martínez, who is in excellent form at Inter, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández creates a solid team core. The squad depth demonstrated by Barco and Almada allows Scaloni to vary tactics depending on the opponent.
In the opening match against Algeria, Argentina is the clear favorite. The Algerians will likely try to play defensively, as Iceland did, but unlike the Scandinavians, they have dangerous counter-attacking players. Nevertheless, the class of the players and total dominance in possession should do the trick.
The editorial prediction for the first group match: a confident 2-0 win for Argentina. Messi is expected to either score or provide an assist, continuing his pursuit of records. The key factor will be finishing chances—if Argentina scores an early goal, as against Iceland, Algeria will be forced to open up, creating ideal conditions for the South Americans' trademark counterattacks.
As for tournament prospects, Argentina must finish first in the group. Advancing from Group J is merely a formality. The real challenges will begin in the Round of 16, where a likely meeting with a strong Denmark or Switzerland awaits. But one thing is certain: Lionel Messi has approached his sixth World Cup in fighting form, and writing off the reigning champions would be a huge mistake. Qatar 2022 proved that betting on the genius of one player can bring home the trophy. Messi is ready to repeat that journey.
— Editorial Team
