Messi scores penalty as Argentina beats Iceland 3-0 in World Cup tune-up

Messi, who had been sidelined with muscle fatigue and a minor strain in his left hamstring since May 24, began the match on the bench. He entered the game in the 70th minute, shortly before being awarded a penalty kick after Lautaro Martínez was fouled in the box. Messi converted the penalty in the 72nd minute with a high left-footed shot, adding to his record 117 international goals for Argentina.

Argentina, aiming for its fourth World Cup title, will commence its tournament campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan. This match marked the second encounter between Argentina and Iceland, following their 1-1 draw at the 2018 World Cup, where Messi missed a penalty.