Lionel Messi scored within minutes of making his return from an injury scare as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up in Auburn, Alabama on Tuesday.Messi started on the bench, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner being eased back to fitness after leaving Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue on May 24.He was joined on the sidelines at the start by Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister as Lionel Scaloni named an experimental line-up in front of an 88,000 capacity crowd.Messi is expected to feature in his sixth World Cup and allayed fears he may not be ready for the start of the tournament in a supreme 20-minute cameo.Argentina begin their defence of the World Cup against Algeria on June 16 before also facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez takes a shot during his side’s friendly against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Photo: Getty ImagesIceland should have taken the lead inside the first few minutes when Mikael Egill Ellertsson blasted over with the goal gaping.
Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up
Lionel Messi comes off bench for 20-minute cameo as part of managed return to fitness following injury scare.










