Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner started on the bench after exiting Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia on May 24 with muscle fatigue.
Coach Lionel Scaloni opted for an experimental lineup in front of an 88,000-capacity crowd, leaving Messi, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister out of the starting eleven.
Iceland nearly took an early lead when Mikael Egill Ellertsson blasted over with the goal at his mercy. Argentina capitalized instead, with Valentin Barco firing home after a goalmouth scramble to put the three-time world champions ahead.
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Nico Paz missed a chance to make it 2-0 before halftime when his powerful strike was saved by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson. Fernandez, Mac Allister, and Lautaro Martinez were introduced at the break, with Martinez twice hitting the post.
Messi entered in the final quarter and made an instant impact. His pass set up Martinez, who was fouled by Olafsson after chipping the ball wide. The forward then slotted home his 117th international goal on his 199th cap to double Argentina’s lead.
He was involved again for the third, playing in Rodrigo De Paul, who squared for Thiago Almada to tap in.
Argentina open their World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16, before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
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