As the final whistle blew, Lionel Messi angrily volleyed the ball high into the Moscow air before kneeling down in the centre-circle to be consoled by a steady succession of team-mates. They must have secretly wished that he had struck his penalty with such venom.
Argentina looked and felt for all the world like losers and, while Messi’s 64th minute missed penalty provided just about the ultimate personal contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in Sochi against Spain, he might at least find some consolation in his great rival’s story story at Euro 2016.
Portugal had also begun with a stodgy and frustrating 1-1 draw against an easily underestimated Iceland team but would ultimately still leave France victorious by the end of the tournament. It is a lesson that should at least provide some perspective amid the temptation to suggest that Ronaldo has already struck some of knockout blow in any personal World Cup duel with Messi, even if round one has belonged so emphatically to the Portuguese.
Time had almost stood still in Sochi on Friday as Ronaldo drew several deep breaths and settled himself before delivering the free-kick that completed both his hat-trick and further ignited this World Cup. As well as the tame penalty that was saved here by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, Messi also wasted a flurry of comparable late opportunities with free-kicks.
“It would have changed the script - obviously it hurts me to have missed the penalty,” said Messi. “We have the bitterness of not being able to take the three points that we deserved. They did not want to play but closed well.”
Even the presence of Diego Maradona excitedly urging his team on and sucking a cigar in one of the executive boxes directly in front of a sign reminding fans about the stadium smoking ban could not sufficiently inspire Argentina. It is early days but, with further tricky group matches to follow against Croatia and Nigeria, you have to wonder if the collective scars from a succession of international near misses are beginning to weigh heavily on this group.
Lionel Messi will once again launch a bid to translate his domestic success onto the international stage as Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign against Iceland on Saturday.
The Albiceleste side were runners up to Germany four years ago and only made it to Russia on the final day of qualifying after a shaky campaign in South America. Meanwhile, Iceland will be looking to put in another giant-killing performance as in Euro 2016, where they shook England to the core en route to the quarter-finals.
You can follow all the build-up from 12:30pm with live coverage coming after kick-off at 2:00pm.
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Iceland is showing that Euro 2016 was no fluke. On Saturday at the World Cup, Iceland held Lionel Messi and Argentina to just a goal, drawing the South Americans 1-1 in its debut game to open up Group D. Messi was knocking on the door throughout the entire match, but he missed a penalty kick in the second half. His teammates relied on him too much and Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson impressed with seven saves. Argentina dominated the ball with 78 percent of the possession and outshot Iceland 27-8, but the ball just wouldn't hit the back of the net for both sides during the final hour.
The South Americans started the match with positive vibes in the attack and woeful vibes at the back. And 13 minutes in, the breakthrough came via the left foot of Manchester City star Sergio Aguero:
El Kun!
Sergio Aguero creates something out of nothing to put Argentina ahead 1-0. pic.twitter.com/ZSYWIrMBm6 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2018
But that lead was short-lived as Iceland responded four minutes later as Alfred Finnbogason finished a rebound from close:
Finnbogason scores Iceland's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal! 🇮🇸👏 pic.twitter.com/gnO14Ciu8n — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2018
Then, with 25 minutes to go, Maxi Meza was taken down in the box and a penalty kick was given. Messi stepped up, but Halldorsson made a massive save to keep the draw:
Messi's penalty is SAVED!
Halldorsson comes up big to keep Iceland level with 25 minutes left. pic.twitter.com/OpLTEgyoRA — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2018
Both teams now have a point in the group, but it feels like a win for Iceland. They held on, fought hard defensively and did enough to deserve a draw. Argentina, meanwhile, will feel like it deserved more as the pressure mounts on Jorge Sampaoli after just 90 minutes.
Relive commentary from Saturday's Argentina vs. Iceland match
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Argentina vs Iceland: Live blog, text commentary, line-ups, stream & TV channel
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Lionel Messi and co. kick off their tournament campaign against the European upstarts when they meet in Moscow
Iceland get a historic result as the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup take a point off Argentina. They fell behind to Sergio Aguero's goal but hit back quickly, with Alfred Finnbogason hitting back very quickly. From there, Iceland remained packed at the back and frustrated their opponents.
FULL-TIME! ARGENTINA 1-1 ICELAND
90+4 Mins: Argentina have been really disappointing today. They've thrown everything forward but have created very little. Credit where it's due to Iceland but many will have expected more from the runners-up of 2014. Related Iceland’s Thunderclap, Seven Nation Army & international football's 10 most famous fan chants & celebrations
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90+2 Mins: CLOSE! Messi fires towards goal once again but it's wide of the mark. It really hasn't been his game today.
90 Mins: Five minutes of added time, Iceland are within touching distance of a historic point.
Substitution: Confirmation of that change, as Iceland scorer Finnbogason is replaced by Sigurdason.
88 Mins: SAVE! Mascherano tries his luck from outside the box but it's a comfortable save. Iceland are about to make their third and final change.
86 Mins: We've seen plenty of late goals already at this World Cup and Argentina will be praying for a late winner. Iceland are fighting with everything they've got.
Substitution: Third and final change for Argentina, who introduce Higuain in place of Meza.
83 Mins: Messi trying to weave his way through the Iceland defence but there's no room to work with. The referee is letting a number of challenges go, which is frustrating Argentina.
81 Mins: WIDE! Messi sets his sights at goal from outside the box and he whips it just wide of the post. He's getting closer but still no goal.
79 Mins: Argentina banging on the door as Messi takes a ball down superbly inside the box but the ball is hooked away before he can strike at goal. Iceland are hanging on and there's plenty of time still to play.
77 Mins: Penalty shout! Pavon is brought down by Saeversson but the referee waves around the protests. Replays show another spot kick should have been awarded but the referee waves around the protests and opts not to consult VAR.
Substitution: Iceland also make a change in midfield, replacing Gunnarsson with Skulason.
Substitution: Is Sampaoli reading this feed? Pavon has been introduced to try and find some space to exploit, with Di Maria making way.
75 Mins: Plenty of attacks, plenty of tackles but still no sign of a winning goal
73 Mins: For all the possession Argentina have had, there really isn't much movement in behind. The potential introduction of Dybala or Pavon could change that.
STAT: Argentina have failed to convert each of their last two penalties at the World Cup (Ariel Ortega v Sweden in June 2002 and Lionel Messi v Iceland today)
70 Mins: Iceland continue to pack the defence to try and limit Argentina's play. It's limiting the space but the attacks just keep on coming.
68 Mins: Argentina still look up for it though, that penalty miss has done nothing to change their style of play. It still looks like a goal will be scored before the final whistle.
66 Mins: How big a moment will that be for the World Cup? If Argentina drop points here, Messi will be criticised. On the flip side, Halldorsson may have just become a Iceland hero.
65 Mins: The corner came to nothing, You'd bet your house on Messi scoring from the spot but it's a woeful effort!
Substitution: Confirmation of the Iceland change, as Gislason is introduced for Gudmundsson.
64 Mins: SAVED! Messi puts it to the keeper's right and Halldorsson dives across and palms it away, the danger isn't clear yet as Argentina have a corner.
63 Mins: Penalty for Argentina! Clumsy defending from Magnusson who shoved Meza in the back as Messi's cross came in.
60 Mins: Concern for Iceland and Gudmundsson requires treatment and it looks like the Burnley man will be taken off.
60 Mins: Banega is already starting to find space just inside the final third but Iceland have the defence packed. Finnbogason is isolated in attack.
58 Mins: Iceland will be happy with their response since the interval but it remains to be seen whether they push further forward. They would certainly be happy with a draw but we've already seen plenty of late goals at the tournament, so it could be a dangerous strategy to remain content.
56 Mins: Banega's introduction should give Argentina some more threat from midfield, as the partnership of Biglia and Mascherano was extremely conservative.
Substitution: Lucas Biglia comes off for Ever Banega
53 Mins: You get the feeling that a goal is coming. Argentina remain on the front foot but Iceland look dangerous when they get forward.
50 Mins: Iceland win their first corner of the game as Gylfi Sigurdsson creeps into the box on the left. The Everton man whips it into the middle but Argentina get it away.
49 Mins: Argentina getting back into the rhythm that saw them dominate proceedings during the first half as the dictate the tempo of the game.
STAT: Javier Mascherano is making his 144th appearance for Argentina in this match, overtaking Javier Zanetti as their most capped player
46 Mins: KICK-OFF! Argentina get us back underway for the second half.
STAT: Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano completed 100% of his passes in the first half (70/70), completing seven more than the whole of the Iceland team
Both sides look open defensively and the attackers will fancy their chances of scoring after the break. With Argentina able to call upon the likes of Dybala and Higuain off the bench, they'll be optimistic of finding an breakthrough - particularly if Iceland start to get tired as the match enters the latter stages.
A brilliant half of football and one for Iceland to cherish. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring with a superb strike, netting his first World Cup goal, but Alfred Finnbogason made history for Iceland with his equaliser. We've seen chances at both ends since but the game remains delicately poised.
HALF-TIME! ARGENTINA 1-1 ICELAND
45 Mins: CHANCE! Iceland come forward and Gylfi Sigurdsson manages to get away a weak shot, Caballero again parries it back into the middle but Argentina clear this time.
44 Mins: It's been a really entertaining half of football and a historic result for Iceland is there for the taking. For all the attacking class Argentina have, they do look weak defensively.
41 Mins: A big penalty shout for Argentina, as Meza's low drive is deflected behind off Ragnar Sigurdsson's arm but it wasn't deliberate. Argentina are furious but it looked to be the correct decision.
39 Mins: Another Argentina corner is headed away with ease. You have to wonder what Sampaoli's reaction will be at the break as they've wasted those opportunities.
37 Mins: Biglia has just tumbled in the box but isn't appealing for anything, while Iceland have their defence packed in an attempt to keep them contained. It's working for the time being.
35 Mins: Iceland will hope to keep it level heading into the interval but Argentina continue to pile forward.
33 Mins: OVER! Argentina are being restricted to shots from distance, as Biglia curls an effort over the bar.
30 Mins: Iceland will be thrilled with their performance in the opening half hour and have certainly risen to the occasion. Argentina are growing increasingly frustrated.
STAT: There were just 4 minutes and 15 seconds between Argentina taking the lead and Iceland's equaliser.
27 Mins: Argentina remain on the front foot, with Messi continuing to cause problems. Iceland are certainly up for it though and have impressed so far.
STAT: Aguero's goal was his first at a World Cup, coming in his ninth appearance in the competition.
23 Mins: GOAAAAAL! Iceland level almost immediately. Caballero fumbled a low cross from Sigurdsson and Alfred Finnbogason was there to slot home Iceland's first ever World Cup goal. Great start to this game. 1-1
21 Mins: SAVE! Argentina are in top gear and Messi looks to be in the mood, picking the ball up outside the area and curling towards goal but seeing his effort saved.
19 Mins: GOAL! Sergio Aguero scores his first ever World Cup goal with a clinical strike, slamming the ball into the top corner whilst surrounded by Icelandic bodies. Argentina 1-0 Iceland
STAT: Lionel Messi scored in all three of his group stage appearances for Argentina at the 2014 World Cup.
17 Mins: SAVE! Messi has his first shot of the afternoon, firing an attempt from distance that is punched away by Halldorsson.
14 Mins: The atmosphere in the stadium is incredible. There's plenty of fans from both sides and they're optimistic about their chances of securing a result.
12 Mins: Di Maria's delivery is poor though, easily hooked away by Finbogason at the edge of the area.
11 Mins: The game has really started to open up after the early Argentina pressure but the South American giants continue to pile forward, winning the game's first corner.
9 Mins: WIDE! A golden opportunity for Iceland to take the lead! A defensive mishap from an Argentina goal kick concedes possession but Bjarnason can't hit the target despite having the goal at his mercy.
8 Mins: CLOSE! Another free-kick delivery from Messi causes problems for Iceland, with Tagliafico flicking on a header but sees his effort bounce wide of the mark.
7 Mins: Iceland have barely seen any of the ball so far but have been very aggressive in the opening stages, already conceding a number of free-kicks.
5 Mins: CHANCE! Messi takes a free-kick on the left side, curling it into the box and it bounces all the way through without a touch from an attacker or a defender.
3 Mins: Iceland are keeping very tight defensively, restricting the room that Argentina have to work with, but it's the South American side who have dominated the early proceedings.
1 Min: KICK-OFF! Iceland get us underway at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow!
5 Mins to KO: National anthems underway, it's almost time for the second game of today's football frenzy.
10 Mins to KO: Also worth keeping your eyes on the stands, as Iceland will bring an incredible atmosphere. Their thunder clap got everyone talking two years ago and it's almost time to bring it to the world stage.
15 Mins to KO: In a group alongside Croatia and Nigeria, who play later on Saturday, it's difficult to predict who will emerge. Argentina are the favourites to top the group but second-spot is certainly up for grabs. If Iceland get a result today, it will be wide open.
Messi has scored four and assisted one of Argentina’s last seven goals at the World Cup finals.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is Iceland's biggest attacking threat, boasting 19 goals, but they will have to be strong defensively. That could leave Finnbogason, leading the line, feeding on scraps and the central midfielders will have to get stuck in to quell attacks from the back. Gunnarson, Iceland's skipper, could be crucial.
While Messi may be the star of the show, it would be incredibly unwise to deem Argentina as a one-man team. Aguero has proven himself to be one of the deadliest strikers in European football in recent years, Angel Di Maria remains a threat either through the middle or out wide.
This will be the first ever encounter between Argentina and Iceland.
Iceland have a number of familiar names in their ranks after catching the eye in Euro 2016, including Gylfi Sigurdsson, Gudmundsson and Gunnarsson. It's a different calire of challenge for Iceland in this match though, with many of the players coming up against stars they would have only dreamed of playing a few years ago.
Jorge Sampaoli named his Argentina line-up yesterday, so there's no surprises in that aspect. Aguero gets the nod ahead of Higuain, while there is plenty of attacking flair that can be introduced off the bench if required. Messi, named Player of the Tournament four years ago, will have the eyes of the world on him.
Iceland, meanwhile, have already made history by becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup. After their excellent performances at Euro 2016, many will hope for similar updates from the newcomers but the odds are certainly stacked against them against a side of Argentina's calibre.
After losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, Argentina have high hopes to go all the way in Russia. This could also be Lionel Messi's last chance of World Cup glory and expectations have risen following Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning hat-trick against Spain on Friday.
Hello and welcome to live text commentary of the Group D match between Argentina and Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Game Argentina vs Iceland Date Saturday, June 16 Time 2:00pm BST / 9:00am ET Stream (US only) fubo TV (7-day free trial)
Confirmed line-ups
Argentina look weaker then they did four years ago with relative unknowns Nicolas Tagliafico and Maximiliano Meza coming into the starting line-up. Aguero is preferred to Higuain or Dybala for this game against Iceland.
Confirmed Argentina XI: Willy Caballero; Nicolas Tagliafico, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Eduardo Salvio; Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia; Maximiliano Meza, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria; Sergio Aguero.
Argentina subs : Nahuel Guzman, Franco Armani, Giovani Lo Celso, Federico Fazio, Cristian Pavon, Gabriel Mercado, Paulo Dybala, Cristian Ansaldi, Gonzalo Higuain, Enzo Perez, Marcos Acuna, Ever Banega.
The perennial underdogs lineup similarly to how they did at Euro 2016. Talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson will have to be at his best if they are to get anything today.
Confirmed Iceland XI: Hannes Haldorsson; Kari Arnason, Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson; Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Emil Hallfredsson; Bikir Bjarnason, Alfred Finnbogason, Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Iceland subs : Frederik Schram, Runar Alex Runarsson, Rurik Gislason, Bjorn Sigurdarson, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Samuel Kari Freidjonsson, Albert Gudmundsson, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Ari Freyr Skulason, Olafur Ingi Skulason, Holmar Om Eyjolfsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason.
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).
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US TV channel Online stream FOX / Telemundo fubo TV (7-day free trial)
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game can be watched live on TV on ITV or streamed live online using the ITV Player.
