Argentina vs Iceland: Lionel Messi has penalty saved, Argentina miss Manchester United man, Iceland start strong

Aguero and Finnbogason scored in the first half as Messi squanders the chance to seal win for the Albiceleste

Lionel Messi’s second half saved penalty meant Argentina had to settle with just a point against Iceland in the opening match of Group D.

The teams traded blows in the opening minutes but Sergio Aguero got Argentina’s World Cup underway with a 19^th minute strike. Messi fired a low ball to the Manchester City forward who turned and struck the ball from behind him into the roof of the net.

While Argentina looked more fluid between the midfield and attack, there was a soft defence which Iceland knew they could expose. A series of low crosses were flapped away by Willy Caballero and the ball eventually fell to Alfred Finnbogason who was well placed to tap the ball in from close range.

Here’s what we learned in Moscow:

1. Messi's messy penalty record

When Maximiliano Meza was fouled in the box by Hodur Magnusson, the world’s eyes turned on Messi who had the chance to give Argentina a 63^rd minute lead from the spot.

The pressure was high given Argentina had struggled to create good goal scoring chances, even great given Cristiano Ronaldo’s epic hat-trick the previous night.

The Argentina captain stepped up and struck the penalty slightly to the left and at a good height for Hannes Halldorsson to reach across and deny Messi.

The miss from 12 yards brings Messi’s penalty record to an unimpressive four scored and four missed in 2017/18.

Hannes Halldorsson of Iceland saves a penalty from Lionel Messi of Argentina (Getty Images)

2. Argentina are already missing Sergio Romero

Manchester United’s Sergio Romero was Argentina’s goalkeeper of choice during their qualifying matches but was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury, meaning Willy Caballero, who has never played a competitive match for Argentina, started in his place.

Caballero’s command of his penalty area was less than impressive and his poor handling led to Iceland’s first half equaliser. He failed to control two low crosses and the second attempted clearance fell to Finnbogason, who had the simple task of scoring into an open net.

Franco Armani and Mahuel Guzman are Jorge Sampaoli's alternatives should he want to withdraw Caballero against Croatia or Nigeria.

Willy Caballero had a poor game for Argentina on his competitive debut (Getty Images)

3. Icleand still pack a punch

Iceland’s swift counter attacks became a feature of the 2016 European Championship, almost as their infamous clap which was also on show. The speed and direct nature of their attacking moves had Argentina scrambling back and struggling to pick up runners.

As well as counter attacks and clapping, Iceland’s long throw was also a great threat. Aron Gunnarsson’s eyes lit up each time Argentina cleared the ball touch anywhere in their final third, what followed was the usual chaos the Cardiff City midfielder’s enormous launches cause.

The 2016 European Championship quarter-finalists will take a lot of confidence into their games against Nigeria and Croatia as they bid to qualify from their group in their first ever World Cup.

Alfred Finnbogason of Iceland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal (Getty Images)

4. Argentina look more fluid but remain nervous at the back

Argentina typically have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, and while this year is no different, the fluidity between the lines appears to be better. Messi dropped deep to link midfield and attack which helped Aguero get his goal, Javier Mascherano’s passing in midfield was always very accurate, and Maximiliano Meza looked very impressive alongside him.

While the attacking forces seem cohesive, Argentina’s defensive line is something teams can look to exploit. On several occasions their willingness to always play out from the back cost them when Iceland timed their press well, and there appeared to be a lack of co-ordination when picking up players from crosses.

5. Messi can make room for teammates

When Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli revealed “this is going to be his team,” it is hardly a surprise that Iceland double and tripled up on Lionel Messi. This pushed Messi deeper but it created more space for Aguero to isolate defenders and find the back of the net.

Of course, Argentina’s star player over the last ten years did come close to scoring himself. Twice he stung Thor Halldorsson’s palms with efforts from range after electing that shots from distance were his best route to goal after it became he would be given no room around the penalty area.