Argentina Vs Iceland LIVE Score, International Friendly 2026: No Messi - Check Starting XIs

The fixture is a rematch of the famous 2018 World Cup clash in Russia, when tournament debutants Iceland held Argentina to a 1-1 draw to secure their first point. Lionel Messi had his second-half penalty saved in that game as Iceland held on to a vital point.

Argentina: Rulli; Giay, Otamendi, Lisandro, Medina; Lo Celso, Palacios, Barco; Simeone, José Manuel López and Nico Paz

Iceland: E. Olafsson, L. Tómasson, D. Grétarsson, G. Pálsson, H. Haraldsson, Í. Jóhannesson, O. Oskarsson, A. Gudmundsson, A. Baldurs son, M. Ellertsson, J. H. Magnússon

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the reigning champion Argentina national team has established their base of operations in Kansas City. This strategic decision was finalized following thorough inspection trips by the Argentine Football Federation (AFA), who determined that the city's central location and high-quality infrastructure provided the optimal environment for the squad’s title defense. By selecting Kansas City as their "home away from home," the team aims to minimize logistical strain while maintaining a focused and stable atmosphere during the tournament.

The team conducts their daily preparations at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City, Kansas. This state-of-the-art facility, which serves as the home ground for MLS club Sporting Kansas City, was chosen for its elite-level amenities, including five soccer fields and advanced performance laboratories equipped with cryotherapy units and hyperbaric chambers. These technical resources are vital for head coach Lionel Scaloni’s staff to monitor player fitness, execute precise tactical drills, and prioritize recovery—a necessity given the intense physical demands of a tournament schedule.

For their residency, the Argentine delegation is staying at the Origin Hotel, located on the Berkley Riverfront. This centralized accommodation allows the players and staff to remain in close proximity to their training site and local amenities. The choice of Kansas City has been well-received, with the team settling into the area ahead of their group-stage opener against Algeria, which is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at Kansas City Stadium.

The concern regarding Lionel Messi’s hamstring began on May 24, 2026, during an Inter Miami match against the Philadelphia Union. In the 73rd minute of the contest, the Argentine captain signaled to the bench and requested to be substituted. He was observed clutching the back of his left leg as he walked off the pitch and directly into the locker room, leading to immediate speculation about his availability for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the match, medical tests performed by Inter Miami confirmed that Messi had not suffered a serious tear or structural injury. Instead, the diagnosis was identified as an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The coaching staff and medical team determined that the substitution was a necessary, precautionary measure given the heavy pitch conditions and the intense, congested nature of his recent fixture schedule.

In the weeks leading up to the World Cup, both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team adopted a conservative recovery plan to ensure the 38-year-old could reach peak fitness. While he sat out of Argentina’s first pre-tournament friendly against Honduras on June 6, 2026, he continued to follow an individual rehabilitation program. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has since provided positive updates, confirming that the injury is in the past and that Messi has been working well in training, with expectations set for him to gain valuable match minutes in the final friendly against Iceland before the team's opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16.

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (Local); Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (IST)

Venue: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama, USA

Kick-Off Time: 8:30 PM ET (June 9) / 6:00 AM IST (June 10)

Argentina: As the defending FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina is using this fixture as a final high-profile dress rehearsal before their title defense begins. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has focused on maintaining the team’s current winning momentum and integrating key players back into the squad. Notably, captain Lionel Messi has returned to the pitch for this match, having been carefully managed for fitness following recent concerns. The team aims to utilize this game to solidify their tactical approach and build rhythm ahead of their World Cup opening match against Algeria on June 16, 2026.

Iceland: Currently ranked 75th by FIFA, Iceland enters this friendly looking to test themselves against elite competition after a difficult period in their qualification cycle. Despite recent struggles, the squad views this as an invaluable opportunity to gain experience against world-class opposition in a historic setting. With players like goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson looking to build on recent busy performances, Iceland is aiming to prove their mettle and gain tactical insights that will benefit them in their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaigns.

Good evening, everyone. We are building up to the start of the friendly fixture between Argentina and Iceland. Watch this space for live updates!