Lionel Messi returned from injury in style as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in their final warm up match before the FIFA World Cup.
The Argentina captain started on the bench but made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half. He scored one goal as his side completed another dominant performance before the tournament.
Argentina took the lead early in the match. Valentin Barco found the net in the eighth minute with a powerful effort from outside the box. The goal gave the world champions control and they never looked troubled against Iceland.
Lionel Scaloni’s men enjoyed most of the possession and created several chances. Iceland struggled to get into the game and spent long periods defending deep inside their own half.
Messi entered the match in the 68th minute and changed the game almost instantly. Just minutes after coming on, he scored from the penalty spot. It was Lionel Messi’s line-breaking pass that lead to the penalty goal in the 69th minute, the kind of passes he’s known for. Thiago Almada finished the move and scored the third goal.
The result continued Argentina’s strong form in the build up to the World Cup. They had already beaten Honduras in their previous warm up match and now head into the tournament with two wins from two games.
Argentina have looked sharp in recent months. The reigning world champions dominated South American qualifying and have carried that momentum into their World Cup preparations.
Messi’s return is another major boost for Scaloni. The veteran forward recently recovered from a muscle injury and the coaching staff carefully managed his minutes against Iceland. His goal and assist showed that he is ready for the challenge ahead.
Argentina will now turn their attention to the World Cup. With Messi back among the goals and the team performing well, the defending champions appear ready to begin their title defence.
They will open their campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in the group stage.
