Messi breaks Argentina scoring record as Iceland fall 3–0 ahead of World Cup

Messi returns, Argentina roll past Iceland 3–0

Lionel Messi needed 119 seconds to remind everyone. Back from injury in Argentina's final pre-World Cup friendly, he won and converted a penalty, then orchestrated a 3–0 dismantling of Iceland on Tuesday night (1) (2) (3). Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez added the other goals in a performance that sent a clear signal six days before the World Cup opener (1) (6).

At 38 years and 350 days, Messi became the oldest player ever to score for Argentina, breaking Ángel Labruna's record that had stood for decades (2) (6) (8). It was his 117th international goal.

"Messi changes everything," wrote AS, capturing what 88,043 fans saw in Alabama – the largest soccer crowd in state history (1).

Messi: "More together than ever"

After the match, Messi posted a message that felt like both a reassurance and a rallying cry: "Let's go, more together than ever" (2).

The captain's fitness was the only real question mark heading into the tournament. Tuesday answered it emphatically.

Argentina enter World Cup as FIFA #1 – and the curse

The latest FIFA ranking has Argentina on top. No team has ever won the World Cup while holding the number one spot since the ranking began (4) (7).

Scaloni's squad carries the weight of being both reigning champions and statistical favorites. The "curse" is now a talking point, not a prediction – but it is real.

World Cup opener: Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City

Argentina debut in Group J against Algeria on Monday, June 16, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (2) (5). Six days, one final training push, and the title defense begins.

Atletico Madrid slap down Real Madrid's €150m Álvarez bid

Real Madrid tested Atletico's resolve with a €150 million offer for Julian Álvarez. The response was brutal and public: "We neither study nor consider any offer for Julián" (9).

Barcelona are also watching, but Atletico's stance leaves no room for negotiation. Álvarez remains locked in Madrid – on the red-and-white side – for now.

Romero to Manchester United? The report that admits it makes no sense

Manchester United have been linked with Cristian Romero, but the report itself concedes the move is illogical (10). Romero is a cornerstone at Tottenham and an Argentina starter. With the World Cup days away, this feels like agent noise more than anything concrete.

Fan reactions

Argentina supporters are buzzing about the 88,043 crowd in Alabama – a state that just hosted its biggest-ever soccer match two days before a World Cup. The atmosphere around this team is reaching a fever pitch, with fans treating every Messi appearance like a historic event. Read the discussion here.