Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 on Tuesday night (9), in Auburn, Alabama, in the United States, in one of the last friendlies before the 2026 World Cup. In addition to the score, the game was marked by an emotional moment after the final whistle.
A video that quickly spread on social media shows 20-year-old Icelandic striker Daniel Gudjohnsen approaching Lionel Messi for a short conversation. The young man revealed to the Argentine star that he is the son of Eidur Gudjohnsen, his former teammate at Barcelona between 2006 and 2009.
Messi expressed surprise upon hearing the information and exchanged a few words with the player, ending the conversation with smiles. Argentina’s number 10 himself later commented that he remembered seeing Daniel as a child in Barcelona training, accompanying his father. At the time, the boy was very small.
Daniel Gudjohnsen plays for Malmö, from Sweden, and is one of the main promises in Icelandic football. Tall and with good physical size, the 1.90m forward was born in London, but represents the national team of his home country.
Father and son in the same dressing room as Messi
Eidur Gudjohnsen was an important striker for Iceland and had a notable spell at Barcelona. During the years he shared the squad with Messi, the Icelander won significant titles, including the Champions League in the 2008/09 season.
The scene between Messi and his former teammate’s son symbolizes the passage of time in football. While Eidur Gudjohnsen was alongside the Argentine at the height of Guardiola’s Barcelona, Daniel is now starting his professional career and has already had the chance to face Argentina on the pitch.
Argentina prepares for the World Cup
Messi entered the second half of the match and scored from the penalty spot, contributing to the victory. The game served as final preparation for the world champion team, which will debut in the World Cup in Kansas City.
Iceland, in turn, did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The moment between Daniel and Messi gained worldwide repercussion precisely because it connected generations of Icelandic football with one of the sport’s greatest idols.
