Lionel Messi fires warning to World Cup rivals as Argentina captain backs Albiceleste to retain crown

Lionel Messi believes Argentina have everything required to successfully defend their World Cup title after helping the reigning champions secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final warm-up fixture before the tournament.

The Inter Miami superstar came off the bench to score and break a long-standing national-team record, while also easing concerns surrounding his recent fitness issues.

Messi returns and delivers

Argentina looked sharp throughout the contest at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama, but the biggest talking point arrived when Messi entered the match in the 70th minute.

The 38-year-old calmly converted a penalty to cap the victory and register his 117th international goal, marking a perfect return after dealing with a minor physical problem in the build-up to the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Messi admitted he was relieved to be back on the pitch.

“I was eager to play because I arrived with some discomfort,” Messi told TyC Sports. “I’m happy and enjoying every moment. I felt great and wanted to get rid of the doubts and fears that naturally come with these situations.

“Now we have a week to make sure everyone is fully ready for the opening match.”

Another record falls

Messi’s goal also secured another place in Argentina’s record books.

At 38 years, 11 months and 14 days old, he became the oldest player ever to score for the national team, surpassing the mark previously held by legendary forward Angel Labruna since 1957.

The appearance was also Messi’s 199th senior international match, extending his record as Argentina’s most-capped player.

While he has overtaken Labruna’s goalscoring age record, the former River Plate icon still holds the distinction of being Argentina’s oldest-ever player, having appeared at the 1958 World Cup aged 39 years and 260 days.

Argentina remain hungry for more

Despite already winning the World Cup in Qatar, Messi insists Argentina’s motivation remains as strong as ever.

The captain believes the current squad continues to show the same competitive spirit that has defined their success over recent years and is confident they can challenge for another global title.

“Whenever a competition starts, especially a World Cup, I’m always very excited,” Messi said.

“This group has shown time and again that it never stops competing, regardless of the opponent or the competition. They continue to play with the same desire and enthusiasm.

“It’s a winning group that always wants more. We’ll go step by step as we always do, but with great excitement and confidence in what we’re capable of achieving.”

Argentina will now turn their attention to their World Cup opener against Algeria as Lionel Scaloni’s side begin their quest to become back-to-back world champions.