{"id":16933,"date":"2026-06-10T14:51:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=16933"},"modified":"2026-06-10T14:51:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:51:45","slug":"messi-scores-as-argentina-beat-iceland-3-0-ahead-of-world-cup-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-news\/messi-scores-as-argentina-beat-iceland-3-0-ahead-of-world-cup-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Messi Scores as Argentina Beat Iceland 3-0 Ahead of World Cup 2026\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina delivered another statement performance ahead of the 2026 tournament, defeating Iceland 3-0 in an international friendly. The match showcased the depth, quality, and confidence within Lionel Scaloni’s squad, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to score his 117th international goal and inspire another impressive victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For football fans in Tanzania, Argentina remains one of the most exciting teams heading into the FIFA World Cup. Their blend of experienced stars and emerging talents makes them serious contenders to retain their global crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast Start Gives Argentina Early Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opening stages of the match were lively, with Iceland almost taking a surprise lead. Mikael Ellertsson found himself in a promising position inside the box but blasted his effort over the crossbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Argentina quickly punished that missed opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A poorly cleared Iceland free-kick fell kindly to Valent\u00edn Barco, who unleashed a powerful low strike from the edge of the area. The ball flew past goalkeeper El\u00edas Rafn \u00d3lafsson, giving La Albiceleste an early advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal continued Barco’s impressive international form, marking his second goal in just three appearances for Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Messi
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Young Stars Continue to Impress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Argentina’s younger generation once again demonstrated why the future looks bright for the reigning world champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valent\u00edn Barco was influential throughout the first half, creating another excellent chance with a perfectly weighted pass to Nico Paz. However, Paz was unable to beat the Icelandic goalkeeper from a tight angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, Argentina entered halftime with only a one-goal lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iceland Fights, but Argentina Remains in Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Iceland showed determination after the break and briefly threatened to level the score. H\u00e1kon Haraldsson came close, but his effort drifted wide of the target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Argentina responded immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitutes Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Mart\u00ednez nearly combined for a second goal, with Mac Allister striking the woodwork. Moments later, Mart\u00ednez himself hit the same post with a curling effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pressure continued to build, and Iceland’s resistance was eventually broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Messi
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lionel Messi Makes Instant Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The biggest moment of the night arrived when Lionel Messi entered the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Argentine captain needed only seconds to influence proceedings. His first touch produced a brilliant through ball that sent Lautaro Mart\u00ednez into the penalty area, where goalkeeper \u00d3lafsson brought him down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messi stepped up and calmly blasted the penalty into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal was Messi’s 117th for Argentina, further extending his remarkable international scoring record and reminding the football world why he remains one of the game’s greatest players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almada Seals Comfortable Victory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Messi was not finished yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inter Miami superstar helped create Argentina’s third goal with another intelligent piece of play. He combined with Rodrigo De Paul, whose square pass found Thiago Almada in front of goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almada made no mistake, tapping home to complete a comfortable 3-0 victory for the South American giants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal capped another polished display from a team that appears fully prepared for the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Messi
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What This Means for the FIFA World Cup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Argentina heads into the FIFA World Cup on the back of seven consecutive victories and with momentum firmly on its side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The performance highlighted several positives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n