World champions are ready — Messi’s leftfoot is back to doing damage

Much of Argentina’s game will once again revolve around Lionel Messi, although the world champions have learned since Qatar to be just as dangerous and effective even without their iconic No. 10. That is precisely why the best player of the previous World Cup was given a rest during the final dress rehearsal, only entering the match against Iceland for the last 20 minutes. It was enough to satisfy the army of fans who packed the stands in Alabama—and to help secure a 3-0 victory. After all, far more important matches lie ahead.

Argentina’s final test before the World Cup was nearly called off due to a torrential downpour that hit Auburn, Alabama. In the end, the match went ahead, much to the delight of the large contingent of Albiceleste supporters.

Interest in Argentina matches remains at fever pitch, just as it was four years ago in Qatar, and so far they are the only team whose group-stage matches have completely sold out. That suggests another series of electric atmospheres awaits the reigning world champions.

Alongside Messi, much of Argentina’s first-choice lineup started on the bench. Players such as Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister only entered later. By then, the scoreboard already read 1-0.

The opening goal in the eighth minute came in unusual fashion. Chaos erupted inside Iceland’s penalty area, with Argentina unable to get a clean shot away and Iceland struggling to clear the danger. Eventually, the ball fell to Valentin Barco, whose long-range strike found its way into the net.

Lionel Scaloni’s side had two more chances before halftime to double their advantage. The best fell to Nico Paz, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but from a tight angle. Iceland’s keeper closed him down quickly and made the save.

Once Argentina’s star players entered the match, everything changed. Iceland were rescued twice by the woodwork, the goalkeeper denied Enzo Fernández in a one-on-one situation, and Lautaro Martinez narrowly missed the target.

Then, in the 70th minute, Messi stepped onto the pitch. Almost immediately, he threaded a brilliant pass through to Lautaro, who won a penalty. Messi placed the ball on the spot and calmly converted to make it 2-0.

The third goal was a masterpiece of counterattacking football. Rodrigo De Paul carried the ball forward from his own half before finding Messi. The captain then played a clever one-two around the edge of the box, and De Paul’s cutback found Thiago Almada, who had the simplest of tasks to finish and make it 3-0.

After this performance, it is fair to say that the reigning world champions look fully prepared to begin their defense of the World Cup title.