Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi missed a second half penalty as his Argentina side were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by World Cup first timers Iceland in the opening match of Group D at the ongoing tournament in Russia.

The former winners dominated proceedings from start to finish but struggled to break down a resolute Iceland rearguard led by goalkeeper Hannes por Halldorsson who saved a 64th minute penalty from Messi.

His teammate Alfred Finbogasson had earlier equalised midway in the first half to cancel out the opening goal from Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero four minutes earlier.

Argentina will now attempt to put things right when they meet Croatia in their second game on June 21, while Iceland face three-African champions Nigeria on the same day.