Argentina wins dress rehearsal against Iceland – Messi scores from the penalty spot

The 38-year-old converted a penalty in the 72nd minute, just 45 seconds after coming on, to make it 2-0. Messi, who had to sit out the first test against Honduras due to thigh problems, had only entered the game two minutes before his goal. It was his 117th goal in an Argentina shirt – at the same time, according to the Argentine football association, it set a record.

Messi's record goal after coming off the bench

Thiago Almeda (86th) rounded off the scoring and capped a convincing team performance. Messi had already shown no signs of discomfort during the warm-up and was immediately at the center of things after being brought on. The dress rehearsal thus gave the defending champion a timely confidence boost ahead of the tournament's start.

For Messi, it was his 117th goal in the Argentine national team jersey. The goal against Iceland was also his 199th international appearance for the Albiceleste. Now 38, the captain underlined his exceptional status in the squad and confirmed his World Cup form.

Messi on record-breaking trajectory

The match in Auburn was part of Argentina's intensive World Cup preparations, having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The upcoming competition will be Messi's sixth World Cup participation. He is thus approaching a historic mark that only few players in modern football history have reached.

Argentina opens Group J on June 17 (3:00 AM CEST live on ORF1) against Algeria. Argentina, Austria's second group opponent on June 22 in Dallas, also faces Jordan in the group stage. Ralf Rangnick's team is therefore directly confronted with the favored South Americans.

Group J: Algeria, Austria and Jordan await

With the clear victory over Iceland, Argentina has done its homework. The team looked lively in attack, solid defensively, and used its chances efficiently. Against the backdrop of Messi's injury-related absence against Honduras, the result sent a clear signal to the competition.

The tournament begins on Thursday with the finals, which Argentina now faces with full concentration. The dress rehearsal went smoothly from the defending champion's point of view – the mix of experience, class, and team spirit is right. Messi himself spoke after the final whistle of a collective kick-off into the tournament.