Messi scores off bench as Argentina cruise past Iceland 3-0

Lionel Messi came off the bench to find the net as Argentina wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iceland on Tuesday night at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. The captain’s 86th-minute strike capped an impressive display from the South Americans, who head to Qatar with momentum firmly on their side.

Captain Delivers Late Flourish

Messi started the match on the bench, part of manager Lionel Scaloni’s rotation strategy in the final warm-up. But the Paris Saint-Germain forward entered the action in the 64th minute with Argentina already 2-0 up, and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. His goal came after a swift counter-attack, as he latched onto a through ball and finished clinically past Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldórsson.

The 35-year-old now has 91 international goals to his name. More importantly, he looked sharp and ready for what could be his final World Cup campaign.

Early Goals Set the Tone

Argentina didn’t wait long to assert their dominance in front of a crowd of 43,752 at the SEC venue. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home from close range. The Manchester City striker has been in excellent form, and his confidence showed as he celebrated with teammates.

Ángel Di María doubled the advantage just before halftime, curling a beautiful free-kick into the top corner in the 43rd minute. It was vintage Di María, the kind of moment that’s defined his international career. Iceland, who failed to qualify for Qatar, offered little resistance and seemed content to use the match as a training exercise.

World Cup Preparations Complete

Speaking after the match, Scaloni expressed satisfaction with his team’s readiness. “We’re in a good place physically and mentally,” he said. “The important thing was to get minutes for everyone and avoid injuries. Now we turn our attention fully to the World Cup.”

Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, followed by matches against Mexico and Poland in Group C. The two-time champions are among the favourites in Qatar, buoyed by a 35-match unbeaten streak that dates back to 2019. That’s their longest run without defeat since a 37-game stretch between 1991 and 1993.

With Messi in form and a balanced squad at Scaloni’s disposal, Argentina travel to the Middle East with genuine hopes of adding a third star to their famous sky-blue and white shirts.