NewsMessi on target as Argentina cruise past Iceland
The world champions signed off with a 3-0 win over Iceland, Lionel Messi scoring from the spot on his return alongside Valentín Barco and Thiago Almada.
Argentina rounded off their preparations in style, easing to a 3-0 win over Iceland as the holders looked sharp before defending their crown, as World Soccer Talk reported.
Valentín Barco opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a fine strike from distance. Lionel Messi, eased back in after muscle fatigue, came off the bench and converted a 70th-minute penalty — his 117th goal for Argentina, making him the oldest scorer in the nation's history. Thiago Almada added a third after a slick move involving Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, per ESPN.
For Lionel Scaloni's side, it is all about rhythm and fitness: Messi managed carefully, the supporting cast scoring freely. Argentina open their title defence against Algeria on 16 June.
For neutrals in Kenya, watching Messi chase one more World Cup at 38 is among the stories of the tournament. On this evidence, the champions arrive ready.
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