The fans in attendance at the Jordan-Hare Stadium were treated to a lively opening 10-minute period that produced one spurned gilt-edged opportunity and the game’s opening goal. Iceland’s Mikael Ellertsson was the individual who fluffed a chance in the early stages, blazing a close-range shot over the bar when it seemed easier to hit the target.
Just minutes later, Iceland’s failure to adequately clear their lines from a deep free-kick presented Valentin Barco with the opportunity to wind up a first-time shot from the edge of the box, fizzing it low past Elías Rafn Olafsson at the near post.
Barco’s second goal in his last three international appearances was soon followed by a lull in play that abruptly ended when the 21-year-old played a perfectly weighted through ball for Nico Paz, who failed to beat Olafsson at the near post, ensuring La Albiceleste had to be content with a narrow lead at the break.
Two of Lionel Scaloni’s five HT substitutes nearly produced Argentina’s second goal just after the hour mark, when Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork from Lautaro Martinez’s clipped pass, not long after Hakon Haraldsson fired wide at the opposite end of the pitch.
Martínez then curled a right-foot shot against the same post that denied Mac Allister before the focus turned to Lionel Messi’s long-awaited arrival.
Within mere moments of his introduction, Messi’s first touch produced a magical through ball that saw Martinez draw a foul from Olafsson in the box, giving the 38-year-old the chance to whip an unstoppable penalty into the top corner.
The Inter Miami star was involved again in Argentina’s third goal, teeing up Rodrigo De Paul for a squared pass that left Thiago Almada with a simple finish.
The reigning world champions ultimately cruised to a seventh consecutive win ahead of their WC opener against Algeria, while Iceland have plenty of time to reflect upon a six-game winless run until they return to action in September.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Valentin Barco (Argentina)