World Cup 2026: all easy for Argentina and Lionel Messi brings joy to all

The many friendlies in the run-up to the World Cup continue. Also on the field was Argentina, which disposed of Iceland with a dry 3-0 win. Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Albiceleste, gave a great gift to the many fans present at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama: Lionel Messi.

The Argentine legend, who is recovering from a muscle strain ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup, entered the field in the 70′ minute of play. The former Barcelona and PSG man scored soon after, on a penalty kick, one of the goals in the Argentine team’s final 3-0 win over the Icelanders.

This was the 911th career goal for Lionel Messi between club and national teams and the 117th with the Argentina jersey (he became the oldest scorer in Argentine soccer history).A nice confidence boost ahead of the start of the World Cup.

“We will distribute the minutes of the players who will take the field tomorrow to try to avoid any unforeseen situation,” coach Lionel Scaloni had declared before the match and so it was. To see Lionel Messi back on the field, even if for a few minutes, was pure joy. It should be remembered that, in the previous friendly with Honduras, he had remained on the bench.