Argentina Secures Comfortable 3-0 Victory Over Ireland in Friendly; Messi Scores Penalty

May 27, Kathmandu – Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina delivered a convincing 3-0 victory against Ireland in an international friendly match. The game took place on Wednesday morning at the Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama, USA, where Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi also found the back of the net after coming on in the second half, scoring from a penalty.

Earlier in the match, Valentin Barco opened the scoring for Argentina in the 8th minute, providing an early lead. Argentina then added two more goals in the second half to secure a dominant performance. Messi converted a penalty in the 72nd minute, and Thiago Almada sealed the win with a goal in the 87th minute.

As a former World Cup champion, Argentina’s victory in this friendly signals their readiness to defend their title at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins on June 11. Placed in Group J, Argentina will face Algeria in their opening match on June 16.