Messi scores 117th goal and becomes Argentina's oldest goalscorer

Lionel Messi marked an immediate and historic return from injury during Argentina’s victory over Iceland in Auburn, Alabama. Brought on for the final twenty minutes, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner needed just 53 seconds to earn a penalty after a brilliant pass from Lautaro Martinez, before converting it himself.

This 117th goal for his country makes Messi, at 38 years, 11 months and 18 days, the oldest player to score wearing the Albiceleste shirt, surpassing Angel Labruna. The Rosario native had been sidelined for two weeks due to left hamstring fatigue.

Argentina opened the scoring in the 8th minute through Valentin Barco, the young Strasbourg midfielder, before Messi extended the lead from the penalty spot. Thiago Almeida added a third late in the match to secure a convincing victory for the defending champions, despite challenging weather conditions — rain had at one point threatened to postpone the match.

This win over Iceland, three days after an initial success against Honduras in Texas, concludes Argentina’s preparation ahead of their World Cup campaign. Lionel Scaloni’s side will face Algeria in the night of June 16-17, then Austria on June 22 and Jordan in the night of June 27-28.