Lionel Messi marked his return from an injury scare with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final FIFA World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.
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Messi started on the bench as coach Lionel Scaloni managed his fitness following muscle fatigue that forced him off during Inter Miami‘s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia on May 24.
The Argentine captain joined key players including Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister on the bench as Scaloni fielded an experimental lineup before a crowd of 88,000.
Iceland created the first major opportunity when Mikael Egill Ellertsson fired over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Argentina quickly capitalised and took the lead when defender Valentin Barco scored from the edge of the box after Iceland failed to clear a dangerous goalmouth scramble.
Argentina controlled much of the first half, although Nico Paz missed a clear chance to double the lead when Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson blocked his effort with his face.
Scaloni introduced five substitutes at halftime, including Fernandez, Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez. Martinez twice struck the post as Argentina searched for a second goal.
The crowd finally saw Messi enter the match during the final quarter. His impact was immediate. With his first touch, he delivered a precise pass that created a chance for Martinez, who won a penalty after a challenge from Olafsson.
Messi stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, scoring his 117th international goal on his 199th appearance for Argentina.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also played a key role in Argentina’s third goal. He set up Rodrigo De Paul, who squared the ball for Thiago Almada to finish from close range.
Argentina will begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria on June 16. They will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
