Messi took care of the rest. He made no mistake as he beat Elías Rafn Ólafsson with a strong high shot that beat the Icelander goalkeeper to his right side. With his goal, Messi confirms he is in the best form going into the 2026 World Cup, the sixth of his career.

Messi’s goal extended Argentina‘s lead over Iceland. For the 38-year-old, it served as a personal vendetta, as he had missed a penalty shot against Iceland in the 2018 World Cup. In a different context and eight years later, but the Argentinian ace got one back. Argentina dominated Iceland en route to a 3-0 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but it was Messi who stole the spotlight, once again.

Messi sets new national team record

With the 911th goal of his career and his 117th for La Albiceleste, Messi broke Argentina’s record for the oldest goal scorer in national team history. At 38 years, 11 months, and 16 days old, Messi surpassed Angel Labruna to take the top spot in that category.

Considering Messi is just weeks away from his 39th birthday (June 24) and the 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, the Argentine magician could very well break his own record during soccer’s biggest tournament.

Messi continues to prove that age is just a number, and with a dominant performance in just 20 minutes of play, he has put upcoming World Cup opponents Algeria, Austria, and Jordan on notice.

World Cup preparation is over

As the international friendlies on American soil come to an end, Messi and Argentina can fully turn their focus to the 2026 World Cup. Although the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Honduras and Iceland, respectively, were important, all La Albiceleste cared about was avoiding any new setbacks. Mission accomplished in that regard, but the real work begins now.

There will be no time for Messi and Argentina to roll Toomer’s Corner in The Plains, as the reigning world champions will head back to their camp in Kansas City, Missouri, before their long-awaited debut against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Iceland weren’t the rival that Argentina expected, as the team were actively evaluating new talent and testing tactical systems ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle, but their lack of talent and the way they faced this game, left fans concerned about the challenges looming in the year to come.

How to watch Argentina vs Iceland in the USA

This highly anticipated matchup will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with live streaming available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling Orange.

No matter the platform, fans can watch every key play, momentum-shifting moment, and dramatic finish live from start to finish.

Can I watch Argentina vs Iceland for free?

Fans in the United States can watch this featured matchup live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which include the channel carrying the game nationwide.

New subscribers can also take advantage of free trials, with Fubo and DirecTV Stream offering five days and Hulu + Live TV providing three days of access. Follow Argentina vs Iceland live with us for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Argentina continues its buildup to the World Cup, with Lionel Messi and company coming off a comfortable win over Honduras in a performance that was efficient and controlled, even if it lacked fireworks.

Their next challenge presents a stronger test, as the Albiceleste square off with Iceland in a matchup that should provide a better gauge of their readiness for the tournament opener.

While Iceland failed to secure a spot in this World Cup and will miss the competition for the second straight edition since its memorable appearance at 2018 FIFA World Cup, the friendly gives the visitors a valuable test.

Argentina vs Iceland: Predicted Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3): Rulli, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Lautaro, Alvarez.

Iceland (4-2-3-1): Valdimarsson, Sampsted, Ingason, Gretarsson, Olafsson, Johannesson, Willumsson, Gudmundsson, Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, Oskarsson.

What time is the Argentina vs Iceland match?

The match kicks off today, June 9, at 9:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 9 PM
Central Time: 8 PM
Mountain Time: 7 PM
Pacific Time: 6 PM

Lionel Scaloni continues to test different options ahead of the upcoming debut against Algeria, which is getting closer. The reigning champions aim to defend the title won in Qatar in 2022.

Iceland, on the other hand, did not qualify for this tournament, so the match will serve only as an opportunity to stay in shape and test different options ahead of UEFA competitions in the second half of the year.

Argentina’s confirmed lineup

These are the eleven players Argentina will field in this friendly match, with Messi on the bench: Geronimo Rulli; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Barco; Nicolas Paz; Jose Manuel Lopez.

Iceland’s starting XI

For the friendly against Argentina, manager Arnar Gunnlaugsson fielding the following starting eleven: Elías Rafn Ólafsson, Logi Tómasson, Daníel Leó Grétarsson, Guðlaugur Victor Pálsson, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, Orri Steinn Óskarsson, Albert Guðmundsson, Andri Fannar Baldursson, Mikael Egill Ellertsson, Hörður Björgvin Magnússon.

When and where is the match being played?

The international friendly between Argentina and Iceland will take place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, with kickoff set for 9:00 p.m. ET.

On Monday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni guaranteed that Messi would get playing time against Iceland: “Yes, he will play. What I don’t know is how many minutes yet; I still need to speak with him during today’s training session. We will see how many minutes he plays to avoid any kind of risk. We will decide, but in principle he will get minutes.”

Messi’s influence on Argentina is evident, and his presence is often considered essential. With the intention of building rhythm ahead of the World Cup debut, the number 10 is expected to log minutes at Auburn’s stadium.

What ailments are affecting Messi?

Having shaken off a left hamstring overload sustained in his last Inter Miami game before the World Cup break, Messi is back to full fitness and training at 100%. The minor muscular discomfort is now safely behind him, clearing the way for the Argentine captain to rejoin the action before the big tournament.

Argentina’s challenges ahead

Argentina will navigate Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting on June 16, when they make their debut against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. They will then travel to Texas to face Austria on June 22 at Dallas Stadium, before wrapping up their group stage campaign at the exact same venue on June 27 against Jordan.

Argentina aim to recover several players

Several key players in the Argentine squad are facing a race against time to reach peak fitness ahead of their tournament debut against Algeria. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is under close watch as he continues to recover from a fractured ring finger on his right hand, while midfielder Leandro Paredes is managing a hamstring injury suffered during club duties.

Meanwhile, forward Julian Alvarez is undergoing specialized regenerative treatment for a rolled left ankle, and young talent Nicolas Paz is working his way back from a left knee strain. Despite these physical setbacks, the coaching staff remains highly optimistic that all four stars will be fully available to take the pitch for the opening match.

By fielding only Liga MX players, head coach Javier Aguirre was able to evaluate which local talents deserve a spot on the final roster alongside the Europe-based stars. The Mexican players took full advantage of this opportunity, showcasing their quality.

With goals from Richard Ledezma, Armando Gonzalez, Jesus Gallardo, and Brian Gutierrez—three of them representing Chivas—Mexico defeated Iceland, a national team that offered little resistance to the hosts.

[Watch Mexico vs Iceland online in the US on Fubo]

After opening 2016 with tough wins over Panama and Bolivia, Mexico now faces a much stiffer test. El Tri will take on Iceland, a side that may not be the same surprise package that dazzled at UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

However, the Vikings remain a disciplined and dangerous opponent, and looking to climb back into the global spotlight, Iceland views a matchup with a CONCACAF heavyweight as the ideal measuring stick—giving Mexico a prime opportunity to prove it’s ready for a bigger stage.

When will the Mexico vs Iceland match be played?

Mexico take on Iceland in a 2026 friendly game this Wednesday, February 25, with the match kicking off at 9:00 PM (ET).

Mexico vs Iceland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Mexico vs Iceland in the USA

This Friendly clash between Mexico and Iceland will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: TUDN USA, FOX Deportes, Univision, ViX and FOX One.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Mexico’s national team aims to deliver a strong performance on home soil and move past the disappointment of their early exit at Qatar 2022.

On the other side stands the Iceland national team. Unfortunately for the Europeans, they failed to qualify for the World Cup after finishing three points behind Ukraine in Group D, missing out on a playoff spot.

Mexico confirmed lineup vs Iceland

For this match, set to be played at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro, head coach Javier Aguirre will rely exclusively on Liga MX players, as the game does not fall within an official FIFA international window. Still, it represents a valuable opportunity for several players hoping to secure a last-minute spot in the final World Cup squad.

Mexico’s confirmed lineup to face Iceland: Raul Rangel; Richard Ledezma, Israel Reyes, Everardo Lopez, Jesus Gallardo; Efrain Alvarez, Rodriguez, Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz; Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, and Armando Gonzalez.

Iceland confirmed lineup vs Mexico

As mentioned, Iceland will not take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. However, the European side is looking to stay competitive ahead of the UEFA Nations League, which begins in September.

Iceland’s confirmed lineup to face Mexico: Anton Ari Einarsson; Karl Fridleifur Gunnarsson, Damir Muminovi, Gudmundur Kristjansson, Hoskuldur Gunnlaugsson; Gudmundur Thorarinsson, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Gylfi Thor Sigurdsson; Helgi Gudjonsson, Agust Orri Thorsteinsson, and Emil Atlason.

All they needed was one. Iceland fought hard to keep the deadlock, but it eventually broke. Ukraine found the game-winning goal from a corner kick with less than five minutes left in regulation time. They say two headers in the penalty area are synonymous with a goal, and that proved true as Oleksandr Zubkov found the back of the net to send Ukraine through to the UEFA Play-Off Round. With Iceland fully on the attack, a counterattack from Ukraine led to the insurance 2-0 goal.

A win or draw would have sent Iceland through to the playoffs instead, but Ukraine finally struck the decisive blow, breaking hearts across the Land of Fire and Ice.

When the final whistle blew, Iceland fell to third place in Group D of the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, officially waving goodbye their dream of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup—to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. With the 2-0 loss to Ukraine, Iceland have been eliminated from World Cup contention.

Iceland fail to make second World Cup appearance

Iceland failed to rise back up, and instead their World Cup hopes were over as Ukraine defeated them 2-0 in a decisive matchup in Group D.

Iceland remained hopeful until the end, but it simply wasn’t to be. In heartbreaking fashion, Ukraine scored two late goals to keep their hopes alive. Meanwhile, Iceland failed to make the FIFA World Cup for the second time in soccer history. The Land of Fire and Ice had made the tournament in 2018.

Moreover, they have only recorded one point in World Cup history, and that came from a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina. To make their lone appearance even more memorable, goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson stopped a penalty shot from the Argentine star.

Group D standings

• France (16 points)
• Ukraine (10 points)
• Iceland (7 points)
• Azerbaijan (1 point)

In this way, Sergiy Rebrov’s side secured a spot in the playoffs, although its place in the next World Cup is not yet guaranteed. This upcoming stage will ultimately decide Ukraine’s fate.

Meanwhile, Iceland, who before this match held a playoff spot thanks to a superior goal difference, were ultimately eliminated, with its dream of appearing in the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada now dashed.

The match was decided in the final ten minutes. First, Zubkov scored in the 83rd minute with a header, and Hutsulyak sealed the victory in the third minute of stoppage time.

If Ukraine can overcome the obstacle awaiting them in the upcoming playoff, they will compete in the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Their first appearance was in Germany 2006, where they surprisingly reached the quarterfinals.

Playoff spot in sight

Ukraine have successfully earned a crucial lifeline in their bid for World Cup qualification, securing a spot in the upcoming playoff stage following a dramatic victory over Iceland. This hard-fought win keeps their dream of appearing in the next World Cup alive.

They now advance to the high-stakes playoff bracket, where their opponents are yet to be finalized. The path ahead remains difficult, but Ukraine now have a clear shot through the playoffs to claim one of the final coveted spots in the global tournament.

If Ukraine loses or draws against Azerbaijan and France defeats Iceland, the French national team will secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. The stakes make this an important game, but with qualification in sight, Deschamps can also manage his squad carefully.

France and Iceland will kick off simultaneously with Ukraine and Azerbaijan. If Les Bleus win away and Ukraine fails to take all three points, France would reach 12 points. With only two games left in the group stage, that total would guarantee first place in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers.

Why isn’t Mbappe available for France vs Iceland?

French striker Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid will miss the match against Iceland due to injury. Mbappe had to leave in the 83rd minute against Azerbaijan after suffering a knock to his right ankle. Head coach Didier Deschamps decided to send him back to his club to continue his recovery rather than risk him.

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the news in a statement: “After taking a knock to his right ankle, Kylian Mbappé was forced to come off before the end of the game against Azerbaijan (3-0) on Friday night at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Upon the French delegation’s return to Clairefontaine, the France captain met with Didier Deschamps. He will not be able to play on Monday, October 13, in Reykjavik against Iceland.”

This means Mbappe will not log any minutes against Iceland, and no replacement will be called up. The FFF also confirmed that Deschamps will not bring in a new player, leaving Les Bleus with one fewer attacking option.

France confirmed lineup without Mbappe

Despite the absence of Mbappe, France still fields a strong attacking presence. Deschamps is confirmed to line up as follows: Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Jules Kounde; Florian Thauvin, Eduardo Camavinga, Kouadio Kone; Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Christopher Nkunku.