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Lionel Messi put any lingering concerns about his fitness to rest on Tuesday, marking his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026.The Argentina captain, who had been sidelined after suffering muscle fatigue and a minor strain in his left hamstring while playing for Inter Miami on May 24, was not risked from the start. Instead, head coach Lionel Scaloni introduced the veteran forward in the 70th minute as Argentina looked to put the finishing touches on their World Cup preparations.Just two minutes after entering the match, the 38-year-old stepped up to take a penalty after Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the box. Showing no signs of discomfort, Messi confidently dispatched a powerful left-footed effort high into the net to extend Argentina’s lead.Watch:The goal was another milestone for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 117 international goals. More importantly for the reigning world champions, it provided further evidence that their talisman is fit and ready for the biggest tournament in football.The appearance also carries added significance as Messi prepares for what will be his sixth FIFA World Cup. The Argentine icon, who turns 39 later this week, continues to play a central role for the national team nearly two decades after making his World Cup debut.Argentina head into the tournament aiming to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022 and claim a fourth World Cup crown overall, having previously triumphed in 1978 and 1986.Their campaign will begin on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Austria and Jordan complete Group J.Tuesday’s victory also offered a measure of redemption against Iceland. The two nations last met at the 2018 World Cup, when Iceland earned a surprise 1-1 draw and Messi missed a penalty. This time, however, the Argentine captain made no mistake from the spot as he capped a successful return ahead of football’s biggest stage.
