Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up

Lionel Messi marked his return from an injury scare by scoring as Argentina comfortably beat Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match. The game was held in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, started on the bench as coach Lionel Scaloni experimented with an 'experimental line-up' in front of a large crowd. He is making his way back to full fitness after experiencing muscle fatigue in a club match on May 24.

Argentina took an early lead through Valentin Barco. Despite missed opportunities, including a penalty saved by Iceland's goalkeeper Elias Olafsson after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, Messi made his impact felt. With his first involvement, Messi's pass led to the penalty, which he then converted for his 117th international goal in his 199th cap.

Thiago Almada added a third goal late on, assisted by Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Argentina will begin their defense of the World Cup title against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.