Messi scores in cameo in front of 88K in Alabama
Key takeaways
- It was Messi's 911th career goal for club and country and 117th goal for Argentina.
- The Inter Miami CF captain reported to the Argentina national team last week camp after suffering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
- The initial prognosis indicated his progress would be determined day-to-day.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Argentina Argentina ARG3FTIceland Iceland ISL0Valentín Barco - 8'Lionel Messi - 72' Pen Thiago Almada - 86'Gamecast Recap Commentary Videos Argentina wins as Messi scores in cameo in front of 88k in Alabama By ESPN News Services Updated: Jun 9, 2026, 11:47 pm Facebook Facebook Messenger Twitter Email Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni gave the huge partisan crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, what it wanted: Lionel Messi.
The Argentine legend, who is working his way back from muscle fatigue ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup, came on in the 70th minute and scored from the penalty spot right afterward in his team's 3-0 win over Iceland.
It was Messi's 911th career goal for club and country and 117th goal for Argentina. And it was likely a welcome sight for the fans in the stands and around the world as Scaloni's side prepares to defend its World Cup win in 2022.