Messi Shines from the Bench as Argentina Eases Past Iceland

Key Takeaways:

• Lionel Messi scored his 117th international goal after coming on as a substitute last night
• Argentina recorded a commanding 3-0 friendly victory over Iceland in their first clash with European opposition since the 2022 World Cup final
• The reigning champions notched their seventh consecutive win ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against Algeria

Strong First Half Puts Argentina Ahead

Supporters at the Jordan-Hare Stadium witnessed a fast-paced opening to the contest, highlighted by a significant chance for Iceland’s Mikael Ellertsson, whose close-range effort flew over the bar. Shortly after, Iceland failed to clear a deep free-kick, and Valentin Barco seized upon the opportunity, driving a low first-time shot from the edge of the area beyond Elías Rafn Olafsson at the near post.

This marked Barco’s second goal in his last three international appearances. He soon made another impact, threading a precise pass through to Nico Paz, who was denied at the near post, leaving Argentina with a slender 1-0 advantage as the teams went in at the interval.

🏆 #SelecciónMayor

⚽ #Argentina 🇦🇷 3 (Valentín Barco, Lionel Messi -p- y Thiago Almada) 🆚 #Islandia 🇮🇸 0

👉 ¡Final del partido!

👋 Nos vemos el próximo martes para el debut 😉 pic.twitter.com/0iXjHEY6UY

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 10, 2026

Substitutes Change the Game in the Second Half

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made five changes at the break, two of which nearly doubled the lead after the hour. Alexis Mac Allister rattled the woodwork following a deft pass from Lautaro Martinez, moments after Hakon Haraldsson fired wide for Iceland at the other end. Martinez himself then struck the same post with a curling right-footed shot, setting the stage for Lionel Messi’s entrance.

Messi Makes Immediate Impact

Messi’s influence was felt instantly. His first involvement sent Martinez through on goal, where Olafsson fouled the forward to award Argentina a penalty. Messi, now 38, expertly converted the spot-kick into the top corner, extending his international tally to 117 goals.

He continued to orchestrate Argentina’s attacks, and soon set up Rodrigo De Paul, whose squared ball allowed Thiago Almada to slot home a third. This victory means Argentina have now won seven consecutive matches and enter their World Cup defence in fine form.

Iceland’s Struggles Continue

For Iceland, a sixth consecutive match without victory leaves them with much to ponder ahead of their next outing in September.