Lionel Messi will make his long-awaited return from injury when Argentina complete their World Cup preparation with a game against Iceland tonight.Messi was withdrawn by Inter Miami boss Guillermo Hoyos during their MLS game with Philadelphia Union on May 24 with what was described as muscle fatigue and has been gradually working his way back ever since.He missed the weekend win over Honduras but will play some part against Iceland in Alabama.Coach Lionel Scaloni said: Messi is going to play, hes going to have minutes but we still dont know how many. I havent talked to him yet. We will try to have as little risk as possible.Eight-time Ballon dOr winner Messi dragged Argentina to the world title in Qatar four years ago and Scaloni is expecting another major impact from him in the United States, Canada and Mexico despite the former Barcelona star turning 39 later this month.He is very important, he said. The role that we all expect when he is on the pitch, everything he transmits to his team-mates, to those around him, is incredible. Everyone is waiting for him to play and Im not going to make him not play. Lets hope hes okay, its what we all want.Scaloni has several other injury worries heading into the tournament and conceded warm-up games were a necessary, if unwanted, part of their build-up.He added: It is an important stepping stone and you have to play them, whether you like it or not with the guys who will be in the World Cup. I dont mean it badly, but if we didnt have these games, we would have more peace of mind to prepare for the match with Algeria. Im worried about playing and that everyone finishes it well.Scaloni has one more major decision to make prior to the opener against the Algerians in Kansas City next Tuesday night.Leonardo Balerdis withdrawal due to injury means Argentina can call up a replacement and the decision is between another defender in Marcos Senesi or the more offensive Aston Villa midfielder Emi Buendia.Scaloni said: In Balerdis position we could be covered and we may pick someone in another position to replace him. The replacement may be here on Wednesday. We have an idea and I dont think we will change it.Iceland failed to qualify for the finals and have not won any of their last five games.Table of ContentsTeam news for Argentina v IcelandPredicted line-ups for Argentina v IcelandWhere to watch Argentina v Iceland: TV and online streamsStats for Argentina v IcelandPrediction for Argentina v IcelandTeam news for Argentina v IcelandIn addition to Messi, who will likely start on the bench, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina and Nico Paz are all fit and could play a part. But Julin Alvarez,Leandro ParedesandEmiliano Martnezwill not feature.Scaloni said: Julin is fine and we hope he is 100% [for Algeria]. Paredes will be ready to join in in a few days. Meanwhile,Emis splint is removed on Friday [following a fractured finger], so well see if the bone has calcified.Predicted line-ups for Argentina v IcelandArgentina: Musso; Giay, Romero, Martinez, Tagliafico; Simeone, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Gonzalez; Martinez, AlmadaIceland: Valdimarsson; Thorhallsson, Gretarsson, Hermannsson, Magnusson, Tomasson; Ellertsson, G Thordarson, Baldursson, Gudmundsson; OskarssonWhere to watch Argentina v Iceland: TV and online streamsArgentina versus Iceland kicks off at 2am UK time in the early hours of tomorrow morning.You can watch it on ITVX.Stats for Argentina v IcelandArgentina have won their last six games, albeit against weak oppositionTheir last defeat came in World Cup qualifying when they lost 1-0 to Ecuador last SeptemberThe teams only previous meeting came at the 2018 World Cup and ended in a 1-1 draw in Moscow with Messi missing a penaltyPrediction for Argentina v IcelandArgentina have made a habit of picking off average sides in recent months and this trend seems likely to continue.The main hope is that their big-name players come through unscathed.Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Iceland Topics Argentina National Football Team Iceland National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup Preview: Ignore Infantino and focus on Messi, Yamal, Mbappe and the sheer joy of the Greatest Show on Earth Jon Fisher 9th June, 2026 Argentina identity intact says Scaloni after friendly win Tom Rostance 7th June, 2026 Lionel Messi injury update: Argentina star trains and could be involved against Honduras tonight Jon Fisher 6th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 Group J: Preview, prediction, players to watch, fixtures and TV details Mitch Fretton 5th June, 2026 Argentina v Honduras: International friendly line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction for 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up match Ben Miller 5th June, 2026 Lego World Cup trophy: Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr and the story behind their 2026 ad Ben Miller 3rd June, 2026
