Messi's 20-minute cameo seals Argentina's 3–0 win over Iceland in World Cup send-off

Argentina beat Iceland 3–0 in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi involved in both second-half goals after entering as a 70th-minute substitute.

Barco opens, Messi finishes as Argentina close preparations with comfortable win

Valentín Barco's eighth-minute strike from outside the box gave Argentina a lead they never looked like surrendering, though the world champions needed until the final 20 minutes to put the result beyond doubt. Messi's introduction changed the pattern: his first significant touch released Lautaro Martínez for the run that won a penalty, which the captain converted. He then fed Rodrigo De Paul for the cross that Thiago Almada finished to complete the scoring.

Argentina's 3–0 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium provided Lionel Scaloni with a measured final test. Barco, Messi and Almada scored the goals, with De Paul assisting the third. The match represented Argentina's last fixture before their World Cup campaign. Iceland collected six yellow cards as the second half grew fractious.

Key Events

Ellertsson's early miss proved costly when Barco opened the scoring four minutes later. Argentina hit the woodwork twice in the second half before Messi's penalty settled any lingering doubt. De Paul's assist for Almada's goal capped a move the captain had started.

Player Ratings

Line-Ups and Subs

Argentina started with Gerónimo Rulli in goal, with Nicolás Otamendi captaining from central defence alongside Lisandro Martínez. Valentín Barco and Exequiel Palacios formed the midfield base, with Nico Paz supporting José Manuel López in attack. Giuliano Simeone operated on the right flank.

Scaloni made five changes at half-time: Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, De Paul, Lautaro Martínez and Romero replaced Barco, Palacios, Lo Celso, López and Lisandro Martínez. Almada and Nico González followed at 58 minutes, before Messi and Montiel entered at 70 minutes. Iceland used all available substitutions across the second half.

Emiliano Martínez was absent with a finger fracture.

First Half: Barco's early strike separates the sides

Iceland created the first clear chance in the fourth minute when Ellertsson arrived unmarked at the far post, but the midfielder lifted his finish over the bar. Argentina made them pay four minutes later. Following a set-piece, the ball fell to Barco outside the area after Iceland failed to clear. He struck first-time with his left foot into the bottom left corner.

Nico Paz had two shots blocked as Argentina probed without creating clear openings. Iceland's frustration showed in consecutive bookings: Pálsson at 29 minutes and Grétarsson at 30 minutes, both for fouls. Giuliano Simeone cut inside and shot weakly, with Ólafsson gathering comfortably. Barco received a yellow card in the 42nd minute. Iceland's best response came through Jóhannesson, whose low left-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 44th minute was saved by Rulli.

Second Half: Messi's introduction proves decisive

Scaloni's five half-time changes increased Argentina's threat. Haraldsson came closest to an Iceland equaliser in the 61st minute, his left-footed shot from distance passing narrowly wide of the right post. Argentina responded by striking the woodwork twice in four minutes: Mac Allister's volley from Lautaro's cross hit the right post at 62 minutes, then Lautaro himself curled against the same post after Mac Allister's pass released him at 66 minutes.

Messi entered at 70 minutes and required barely two minutes to change the match. His through ball found Lautaro running into the area; goalkeeper Ólafsson brought him down and received a yellow card. Messi converted the penalty into the bottom right corner. The closing stages turned fractious, with Lautaro, Thorsteinsson and Gunnarsson all booked between 75 and 78 minutes. Almada completed the scoring at 86 minutes, finishing De Paul's low cross after a move Messi had initiated. Gudjohnsen headed wide from close range in stoppage time.

Tactical Notes

Scaloni used the friendly to rotate his squad, with five half-time changes transforming Argentina's attacking quality. Iceland set up in a compact shape that became a five-man defensive line without the ball. Their discipline held until the interval but eroded as Argentina's senior players entered. Six yellow cards reflected Iceland's growing difficulty containing the second-half pressure.

Broader Context

Argentina completed their World Cup preparation with a comfortable victory. The match allowed Scaloni to manage minutes across his squad while still securing the win. Iceland's winless run extended, with their six bookings underlining the difficulty of containing Argentina's attacking depth.

Match Stats

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