Argentina will play their final friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Iceland in Alabama. Lionel Messi is not starting today as the team continues to manage his recovery from hamstring overload, but the Inter Miami star could come off the bench in the second half. Follow Iceland vs Argentina live with us for minute-by-minute updates!
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.
Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina, speaks to the media.
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.
