Lionel Scaloni delivered the show the crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn expected, slotting Lionel Messi onto the pitch in the 70th minute. Messi, easing back from left‑hamstring fatigue, converted a penalty moments later, marking his 911th career goal and 117th for Argentina as the Albiceleste stretched their lead to 3‑0 over Iceland. The Argentine legend’s cameo thrilled the partisan audience and underscored his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Ezequiel Barco opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, giving Argentina an early edge, while Thiago Almada added the third in the 78th after Messi’s spot‑kick. The win follows a friendly triumph over Honduras, where Messi sat out, and serves as the second consecutive preparation match before the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.

Messi’s return follows a hamstring fatigue scare that forced him off for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union last week. Scaloni promised careful minute management ahead of the tournament, saying the squad would rotate to avoid mishaps. With three goals from three different players, Argentina signals a balanced attack as they aim to defend their 2022 title, showing depth beyond their star.