Messi reassures on fitness and warns Algeria ahead of 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi marked his return to action with a decisive penalty in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Iceland, the world champions’ final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, returning from injury, scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, just three minutes after coming on.

After the match, the Inter Miami forward reassured about his physical condition. “I felt very good, I wanted to start now and remove the fears you have. We have a week left to get everyone in good shape and arrive well for the start of the competition,” he said.

Messi then sent an unequivocal message to Algeria, the Albiceleste’s opponent from June 17 for their World Cup opener. “It’s a group of winners who always want more. We will go with great desire, enthusiasm and convinced of what we are capable of. We will try as we always have, so people have no doubt that we will give everything,” he said.

After this first clash against the Fennecs, Argentina will face Austria on June 22, then Jordan on June 28 to complete their group stage campaign.