English
Indian
العربية
Español
Deutsch
Türkçe
Русский
Français (Afrique)
Messi scores as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly
Alabama [US], June 10 (ANI): Defending champions Argentina concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations in emphatic fashion, securing a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up friendly on Wednesday. freshyourfeel.com
La Albiceleste endured an early scare after Iceland squandered a clear scoring opportunity in the opening minutes, but the world champions soon asserted control over the contest.
Valentin Barco broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, giving Argentina an early advantage.
In the second half, Lionel Messi made an instant impact after being introduced from the bench, with his incisive pass leading to Lautaro Martinez winning a penalty. Messi then calmly converted from the spot in the 72nd minute to double Argentina’s lead.
Thiago Almada later completed the scoring in the 86th minute, finishing off a well-worked move involving Messi and Martinez that dismantled Iceland’s defence.
Argentina remained dominant throughout the match, heading into the World Cup on a high after a convincing final preparatory performance.
For those unversed, Messi missed Argentina’s 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on June 6 despite taking part in the pre-match warm-up, as he was recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
The Inter Miami forward had joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during his club’s MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.
Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid). (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
Ben Stokes controversy: What exactly happened in 'Chelsea's naughtiest nightclub' on Sunday night?
Fresh details have surfaced about the nightclub incident involving England captain Ben Stokes and ace pacer Gus Atkinson. As investigations continue, reports have provided a clearer picture of the all-rounder’s movements before the altercation that has dominated headlines since England's victory over New Zealand in the opening Test at Lord's. As things stand, the ECB has not publicly commented on the latest developments, while Stokes has also remained silent on the controversy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scores a ton; India A edge out Sri Lanka A in tri-series opener
Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut appearance for India A in the 50-over format ended with just 14 runs, but his team fought tenaciously to secure an eight-run victory over a self-destructing Sri Lanka A side in Tuesday`s tri-series opener.
Chasing a target of 278, Sri Lanka A appeared entirely in control of the chase, powered by a brilliant 74 off 72 deliveries from skipper Sahan Arachchige. However, a late collapse saw the visitors lose their final four wickets in the space of just 10 balls. This included a three-wicket haul in the final over by Arshad Khan, handing India A a dramatic win.
Earlier in the day, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the Indian innings with a sensational 101, guiding the team to a total of 277 for six. During the chase, Ayush Badoni (2/46) and Anukul Roy (2/49) proved crucial in pulling India back into the game after the opening fast bowlers struggled with their economies early on.
Arachchige had brought his team to the brink of a successful chase before getting bowled by a precise yorker from Anshul Kamboj. A string of poor shot choices from the remaining lower order ultimately gifted the Tilak Varma-led Indian team a narrow victory. India A will now look ahead to their upcoming fixture against Afghanistan A on June 11.
The match also featured a return to action for Niroshan Dickwella (47), who put together a 93-run opening partnership with Avishka Fernando (45). Both Sri Lankan star batters lost their wickets to Badoni.
Gaikwad and Varma steady the ship after early wickets fall
Choosing to bat first, India A initially found themselves in trouble at 16 for two within five overs following the early departures of Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh. However, Gaikwad scored his 21st List A century, combining with captain Tilak Varma (60) for a vital 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
While the attention was towards teenage prodigy Sooryavanshi, his bright start of three boundaries was cut short by Mohamed Shiraz. In the death overs, contributions from Badoni (24) and Suryansh Shedge (26 ) successfully pushed India past the 270 mark.
(With PTI inputs)
Iraq lose to Venezuela, Saudi Arabia draw with Senegal in World Cup warm-ups
Pennsylvania [US], June 10 (ANI): Iraq suffered a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly in Bridgeville, Illinois, on Wednesday.
Venezuela took the lead in the 17th minute through Cristian Casseres, who finished from close range to put the South American side ahead.
The visitors doubled their advantage immediately after the restart when Casseres won possession and set up striker Jesus Ramirez, who beat a defender before unleashing a powerful finish to make it 2-0.
Iraq’s night further worsened as they were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute after forward Ali Youssef was shown a straight red card.
Despite the defeat, Iraq will return to the World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years, with their Group I campaign set to begin against Norway on June 17, followed by matches against France and Senegal.
In another warm-up fixture, Saudi Arabia played out a goalless draw against 10-man Senegal in their final preparatory match before the tournament.
Saudi Arabia, coached by Giorgos Donis, made several changes in the second half after fielding a strong starting lineup and created early chances, including a close effort from Musab Al Juwayr in the 10th minute.
Senegal also threatened through Lamine Camara and Nicolas Jackson but failed to break the deadlock, as the match ended 0-0.
Saudi Arabia will open their Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16, while Senegal begins their Group I journey against France before facing Norway and Iraq. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)