Alabama, June 10 -- Defending champions Argentina concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations in emphatic fashion, securing a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up friendly on Wednesday.

La Albiceleste endured an early scare after Iceland squandered a clear scoring opportunity in the opening minutes, but the world champions soon asserted control over the contest.

Valentin Barco broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, giving Argentina an early advantage.

In the second half, Lionel Messi made an instant impact after being introduced from the bench, with his incisive pass leading to Lautaro Martinez winning a penalty. Messi then calmly converted from the spot in the 72nd minute to d...