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Lionel Messi seems fit in time for the World Cup with Argentina. The 38-year-old star player celebrated his return with a goal during a 3-0 practice win over Iceland in Auburn, America.
Messi dropped out more than two weeks ago with a strained left hamstring during a league match for his club Inter Miami. He was sidelined last Sunday during Argentina’s friendly win against Honduras (3-0).
In any case, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner felt fit again, he told the Argentinian TyC Sports after the match: “I felt great, I was eager to start. I wanted to shake off the fear you have when you have been injured.”
The Argentinian also talked about his chances La Albiceleste on the upcoming World Cup. “This team is a winning group that always wants more,” said the star of the Argentina national team. “We are taking it step by step. And as always with a lot of willpower, enthusiasm and confidence in what we can achieve. I have no doubt that it will be difficult for our rivals to beat us, because we are a very competitive team. In any case, I am very much looking forward to the next World Cup.”
Messi came on twenty minutes before the end against Iceland. With his first touch he created an opportunity for Lautaro Martínez, who was brought down by the goalkeeper. Messi then shot the awarded penalty high (2-0), just over a minute after he came on. Valentín Barco had opened the score in the eighth minute, Thiago Almada made it 3-0 in the final phase.
Argentina will play its first group match at the World Cup against Algeria next week, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. It is Messi’s sixth World Cup.