Lo Celso: Messi scores record-breaking penalty in Argentina’s 3-0 win

lo celso came back into the picture for Argentina in Auburn, and Lionel Messi turned that return into a 3-0 win over Iceland with a penalty after entering in the 69th minute. The result ended Argentina’s last preparation match before the World Cup with its forward back on the field and a new scoring mark in hand.

Messi’s 69th-minute return

Argentina took control early when Valentín Barco opened the scoring in the eighth minute from the edge of the area. Lionel Scaloni then made six changes in the second half, and the reshuffle brought Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul onto the field before Messi appeared.

Messi had been dealing with a recent injury from Inter Miami’s last match against the Philadelphia Union. He entered in the 69th minute, and two minutes later he linked with Lautaro Martínez, who was fouled in the penalty area. Messi took the spot kick and scored.

Argentina’s scoring record changes

That goal made Messi the oldest player to score for the Argentina national team. He moved past Ángel Amadeo Labruna, whose last international goal came on July 7, 1957 against Brazil at the Maracaná when he was 38 years, 9 months and 8 days old. Messi finished at 38 years, 11 months and 14 days.

Thiago Almada added Argentina’s third goal in the 86th minute after a move that involved Messi and Martínez. It gave Argentina a clean final tune-up before it heads to Kansas City next Tuesday for its World Cup debut against Algeria in Group J, with Austria and Jordan also in the group.

Kansas City and Group J

That is the practical change for Argentina now: the squad leaves Auburn with its front line back in rhythm, its coach having used six second-half changes, and its biggest name still altering the record book. The World Cup opener in Kansas City arrives with Messi available again and Argentina carrying a 3-0 result into Group J.