Messi Returns in Style as Argentina Beat Iceland 3-0 Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi made a successful return from injury, scoring shortly after coming off the bench as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup .

The reigning world champions delivered an assured performance on Tuesday, with the result providing a major boost ahead of their title defence. While Argentina controlled much of the contest, the biggest positive was the return of their captain, who had been recovering from muscle fatigue and a minor hamstring strain suffered during his last appearance for Inter Miami in May.

With no intention of taking risks, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni kept Messi among the substitutes before introducing him in the 70th minute. The 38-year-old immediately made his presence felt.

Just two minutes after entering the match, Messi stepped up to take a penalty after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the box. The Argentine superstar calmly blasted a left-footed effort into the roof of the net, registering his 117th international goal and delighting the crowd.

The goal capped a comfortable evening for Argentina, who looked sharp in attack and solid in defence throughout the match. The victory also served as a measure of revenge against Iceland, who had held Argentina to a 1-1 draw at the 2018 World Cup in a match remembered for Messi's missed penalty.

Now preparing for what will be his sixth World Cup appearance , Messi appears ready to lead Argentina once again on football's biggest stage. The South American giants will begin their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

Having won the World Cup in 1978, 1986 and 2022 , Argentina enter the tournament among the favourites. With their captain fit and back among the goals, confidence within the squad will be high as they chase a fourth world title .