Lionel Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram after Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up match.
Lionel Messi fires up Argentina after FIFA World Cup warm-up win (PC: Lionel Messi/IG)
Argentina captain Lionel Messi struck an emotional note after the defending champions eased to a 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up match at the Jordan-Hare Stadium on Wednesday.
Following the convincing win, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner shared a series of pictures from the match on Instagram, accompanied by a message aimed at rallying the squad ahead of the tournament.
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“Come on, let’s be closer than ever,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
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La Albiceleste began the friendly with a brief scare as Iceland squandered a clear scoring opportunity in the opening minutes. However, the world champions quickly settled into their rhythm and took control of the contest.
Valentin Barco broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, handing Argentina an early advantage and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Introduced in the second half after being rested in the previous friendly, Messi wasted little time making his presence felt. His incisive pass led to Lautaro Martinez winning a penalty, which the captain calmly converted in the 72nd minute to double Argentina’s lead.
Thiago Almada then put the result beyond doubt in the 86th minute, finishing off a well-worked move involving Messi and Martinez that carved open the Iceland defence.
Argentina dominated possession and chances throughout the encounter, heading into the FIFA World Cup on a high after a convincing final tune-up.
Messi’s appearance was another positive sign for Argentina after the captain missed the team’s 2-0 friendly win over Honduras on June 6. Although he took part in the pre-match warm-up, he did not feature as he continued recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
The Inter Miami forward had joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during his club’s MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.
Argentina will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
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