Lionel Messi's goal helped Argentina thrash Iceland
This is according to sports media reports following the international friendlies that took place on the night of 9–10 June.
The Argentina national team comfortably beat Iceland in a friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The match ended 3-0 in favour of the reigning world champions.
Argentina opened the scoring early: Valentín Barco found the net as early as the 8th minute. In the second half, Lionel Messi doubled Argentina’s lead by converting a penalty. At the end of the match, Thiago Almada sealed the final score.
How Messi performed
Lionel Messi started the match on the bench.
For the Argentina captain, this was his first appearance since his injury. He came on as a substitute in the second half and scored from the penalty spot just a few minutes later.
Messi’s goal was the second of the match and effectively sealed the victory.
Argentina v Iceland: match score
International friendly match
on 10 June 2026
Argentina – Iceland – 3:0
Goals:
1–0 – Barco, 8
; 2–0 – Messi, 72 (penalty
); 3–0 – Almada, 86
Other friendly matches
On the night of 9–10 June, other friendly matches were also played involving national teams preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo lost 1–2 to Chile. Dario Osorio and Matias Sepulveda scored for Chile, whilst Joris Kayembe netted DR Congo’s goal late in the game.
Saudi Arabia and Senegal drew 0–0.
Venezuela beat Iraq 2-0. The goals were scored by Christian Cáseres and Jesús Ramírez.
Match results
DR Congo – Chile – 1–2
Goals: Osorio, 52; Sepúlveda, 86; Kayembe, 88
Saudi Arabia – Senegal – 0–0
Iraq – Venezuela – 0–2
Goals: Cáseres, 17; Ramírez, 46
Argentina – Iceland – 3:0
Goals: Barco, 8; Messi, 72 (penalty); Almada, 86
Key takeaways
The main highlight of the Argentina v Iceland match was Lionel Messi’s return from injury.
The Argentine did not start the match, but quickly scored a goal after coming on. For the Argentina national team, this victory was part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, where the team will defend their status as reigning world champions.
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