Argentina Dominates Iceland in Final Warm-Up Before FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a decisive 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final friendly match. The team, led by Lionel Messi, showcased their dominance with goals from Valentin Barco, Messi, and Thiago Almada. This performance sets a positive tone as they prepare to face Algeria in their opening match of the tournament. Messi's return to the squad after recovering from injury adds to the excitement as Argentina aims to defend their title. Discover more about their squad and upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 09:58 IST

Argentina's Strong Finish Ahead of World Cup

Alabama [US], June 10: The reigning champions, Argentina, wrapped up their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 3-0 victory against Iceland in their last friendly match on Wednesday.

Despite an early scare when Iceland missed a clear chance to score, Argentina quickly took control of the game.

Valentin Barco opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a stunning shot from outside the penalty area, giving Argentina an early lead.

In the second half, Lionel Messi made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, assisting Lautaro Martinez to win a penalty. Messi then confidently converted the penalty in the 72nd minute, extending Argentina's lead.

Thiago Almada capped off the scoring in the 86th minute, finishing a well-executed play involving Messi and Martinez that broke through Iceland's defense.

Argentina maintained their dominance throughout the match, heading into the World Cup with a strong performance.

For context, Messi had missed Argentina's previous friendly against Honduras on June 6 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, despite participating in the warm-up.

The Inter Miami star had joined the national team after feeling discomfort during an MLS match against the Philadelphia Union before the league's break for the World Cup.

Argentina will kick off their World Cup journey against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad includes:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid).

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais).

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid).