Argentina vs. Iceland: Final Friendly Before 2026 World Cup—Messi’s Return, Scaloni’s Gamble, and Weather Chaos
Lionel Messi will make a rare appearance as a substitute in Argentina’s final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, facing Iceland in a match clouded by extreme weather in the U.S. that could force a postponement. The game, originally scheduled for at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium, now hangs in the balance as Hurricane Lee barrels toward the East Coast.
With Scaloni testing tactical formations and Messi’s fitness, this encounter serves as a critical dress rehearsal for Argentina’s quest to defend their 2022 World Cup title. Meanwhile, Iceland—ranked 105th in FIFA’s latest rankings—uses the match to gauge their progress under new manager Arnar Viðarsson ahead of the European Championship qualifiers.
What’s Happening Now
Argentina’s last friendly before the 2026 World Cup is in jeopardy due to Hurricane Lee’s path, with the match potentially postponed to . Lionel Messi will start on the bench but is expected to come on as a substitute, per Infobae. Scaloni will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing youth integration while monitoring key players like Julián Álvarez and Emiliano Martínez.
Match Status: Postponement Likely Due to Hurricane Lee
Hurricane Lee’s projected track through the Carolinas and up the East Coast has forced the U.S. Soccer Federation to delay a decision on the match’s fate. According to ESPN, officials are evaluating whether to relocate the game to a safer venue or reschedule entirely. The University of Alabama has not yet confirmed alternative dates.
If played as scheduled, kickoff remains at (3:00 AM ET), though local authorities have issued evacuation orders for coastal areas. Argentina’s team bus departed Buenos Aires on , with players already in Florida awaiting further instructions.
Why This Match Could Define Argentina’s World Cup Preparation
This friendly is Argentina’s last competitive warm-up before the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll host games in six U.S. cities. Scaloni’s squad includes 18 players under 23—nearly half the roster—highlighting his focus on youth development. Messi’s involvement, though limited, sends a message to the squad about his continued influence, even as he approaches his 38th birthday.
For Iceland, the match offers a chance to test new signings like Árni Gautur Arason (Brighton) and Kólbeinn Sigþórsson (Brentford) in a high-pressure environment. Their 2-1 loss to Argentina in 2022—where Messi scored twice—provides a stark reminder of the gulf in class.
Scaloni’s Likely Lineup and Key Battles
With Emiliano Martínez likely to start in goal, Scaloni’s backline will feature Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña, and Lisandro Martínez, a unit that dominated in the 2022 final. Midfielders Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul will anchor the engine room, while Julián Álvarez and Ángel Di María provide width.
Messi’s expected cameo in the 75th minute could see him deployed as a false nine, drawing Iceland’s center-backs out of position—a tactic that proved devastating in the 2022 final. Iceland, meanwhile, will likely adopt a 4-4-2 formation, with Árni Gautur and Kólbeinn Sigþórsson leading the attack.
Projected Lineups
| Argentina | Iceland |
|---|---|
| GK: Emiliano Martínez DEF: Romero, Otamendi, Acuña, Lisandro MID: Paredes, De Paul, Enzo Fernández FW: Álvarez, Di María, Messi (sub) |
GK: Hákon Árnason DEF: Ragnar Sigurðsson, Arnar Viðarsson, Kári Árnason, Hreiðar Helgason MID: Birkir Bjarnason, Atli Viðarsson FW: Árni Gautur, Kólbeinn Sigþórsson |
Hurricane Lee: How the Storm Could Reshape the Match
The National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory shows Hurricane Lee tracking parallel to the U.S. East Coast, with tropical storm-force winds expected to hit Alabama by . The University of Alabama has not issued a formal statement, but local meteorologists warn of flash flooding and downed power lines in Tuscaloosa, where the stadium is located.
If the match is postponed, Argentina’s squad—already in Florida—could relocate to a neutral site like U.S. Soccer’s training complex in Carson, California, where they’ve prepared for past friendlies. Iceland’s travel plans remain fluid, with their team based in Reykjavik. A delay would push the squad into a grueling 10-day turnaround before their next competitive game.
Argentina vs. Iceland: A History of Dominance
Argentina has won all three previous meetings with Iceland, including a 6-0 demolition in 2018 during World Cup qualifying. The 2022 friendly in Buenos Aires ended 2-1, with Messi scoring both goals in a display of his clinical finishing. Iceland’s best performance came in , when they held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in a friendly.
This match marks the first time Iceland will face Argentina without Gylfi Sigurðsson, who retired in 2023, and with a squad rebuilt around younger talents like Árni Gautur (23) and Kólbeinn Sigþórsson (22).
What Happens If the Match Is Postponed?
If the game is delayed, Argentina’s next official fixture is the 2026 World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on June 14, 2026 in Kansas City. Scaloni has already named a preliminary 40-man squad, with youth players like Thiago Almada (19) and Agustín González (20) earning call-ups. Iceland, meanwhile, faces UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers in October, with their window to assess new signings shrinking.
Scaloni has indicated he will not use this friendly as a trial for new players, focusing instead on refining the core squad. “We’re not here to experiment,” he told reporters in Mundo Deportivo. “The World Cup starts in 18 months, and we need to be sharp.”
Frequently Asked Questions
No. According to Infobae, Messi will come on as a substitute, likely in the 75th minute.
High. The National Hurricane Center’s cone of uncertainty shows a 70% chance of tropical storm conditions in Tuscaloosa by kickoff time.
The game will be broadcast live on TyC Sports (Latin America), ESPN+ (U.S.), and BBC Sport (UK). No free-to-air options are confirmed.
