MESSI SCORES OFF THE BENCH AS ARGENTINA CRUISE PAST ICELAND.

Lionel Messi marked his substitute appearance with his 117 th international goal as
Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.

The world champions took an early lead through Valentín Barco, whose low strike
gave Argentina control of the contest after Iceland had squandered a promising
chance at the other end.

After the break, Messi’s introduction transformed the game. The Argentine captain
won and converted a penalty shortly after coming on, before helping create the third
goal, which was finished by Thiago Almada.

Argentina comfortably saw out the victory to extend their winning run to seven
matches and head into their World Cup title defence in confident fashion.

Iceland, meanwhile, remains without a win in six games and will look to regroup
before returning to action later this year.