World champions Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Iceland in an international friendly on Tuesday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
The match served as a key preparation fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing manager Lionel Scaloni to test squad depth with several key players, including captain Lionel Messi entering as a substitute.
Valentín Barco, the Argentine left-back, opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a sweet volley. Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward, added a second goal from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute shortly after coming on. Thiago Almada, the Argentine midfielder, completed the scoring in the 86th minute with a clinical first-time finish assisted by Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentina dominated possession and created multiple chances throughout, controlling the tempo in a professional display against limited Icelandic resistance.
The win maintains Argentina’s strong pre-tournament form as defending champions. In this friendly series, they continue building momentum toward the World Cup group stage, where sharp attacking output and defensive solidity will be critical.
Argentina faces Algeria on June 16 in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup group match.