Messi Returns with Goal and New Record for Argentina

Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the Argentine national team, scoring his 117th international goal in a 3-0 victory over Iceland. The friendly match, held in Alabama, was Argentina's last tune-up before the 2026 World Cup, where they aim to defend their title.

Messi, who had missed the previous friendly against Honduras due to a minor ailment, came on in the 70th minute. Within minutes, he assisted Lautaro Martínez, drawing a penalty that he then converted. This goal not only added to his historic tally for Argentina but also set a new record: at 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, Messi is now the oldest player to score for the Albiceleste. He surpassed the previous record held by Ángel Labruna, who scored his last goal in 1957 at 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days.

This appearance marked Messi's 199th for Argentina. His brief but impactful cameo allowed him to regain match rhythm ahead of Argentina's World Cup debut on June 16 against Algeria. The match also saw Messi tie a record with Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa for the most World Cup appearances, with this being his sixth.

Coach Lionel Scaloni utilized the match to test various players, fielding an alternative lineup to rest key players and assess those vying for a starting spot. Valentín Barco opened the scoring in the first half, and Thiago Almada added a third goal late in the second half. Scaloni expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting that the match provided clarity on the squad's needs. "The test today left me satisfied and cleared up many doubts about what the team might still need," Scaloni stated.

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The test today left me satisfied and cleared up many doubts about what the team might still need