Updated 04.50 | Published 04.48
These were the pictures every football fan wanted to see.
Lionel Messi, 38, made a comeback – with the World Cup premiere around the corner.
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May 25 left Lionel Messi the pitch early when his Inter Miami played.
The pictures of the Argentine superstar caused concern when the WC was only a few weeks away.
Now everyone who longed to see him in a World Cup context (for the sixth time) can breathe a sigh of relief. The 38-year-old made a comeback last night in Argentina’s World Cup rematch against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama.
Direct scorer
A sold-out Jordan–Hare Stadium (approx. 88,000) saw Messi step in in the 70th minute. Argentina then led 1–0 after Valentín Barco’s cross after eight minutes.
Barely a minute after the throw-in, Messi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Before that, Messi had freed Lautaro Martinez – who arranged the penalty when he was brought down by Iceland’s goalkeeper.
Torrential rain in Alabama
The training match looked like it could be threatened by the to say the least intense rain that passed through the area. Just hours before the meeting was the arena soaked in water.
The storm passed and the field had time to dry and be in playable condition in time for kick-off.
Argentina enter the World Cup group stage on June 17 at 03:00 when they face Algeria. They then face Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 28).
The text is updated – the match is in progress!
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