Messi scores as Argentina thrash UAE in WC warm-up game

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epa10308721 Lionel Messi (C) of Argentina scoring the fourth goal of his team during the international friendly soccer match between the United Arab Emirates and Argentina in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 November 2022. Argentina is preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with their first match against Saudi Arabia on 22 November. EPA/ALI HAIDER

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria starred as Argentina trashed the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in their final World Cup warmup match.

Angel Di Maria bagged a brace while Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Joaquin Correa got their names on the score sheet to extend their unbeaten run to 36 games.

In the 17th minute, Messi helped Alvarez score Argentina’s first goal when he set him up with a pass. This was Alvarez’s third international goal.

Eight minutes later, Di Maria doubled Argentina’s lead with a great volley, and then he scored again in the 36th minute by dribbling past several UAE defenders and slotting the ball home.

Messi joined in the fun with a great shot into the corner a minute before halftime. Substitute Correa finished off the rout with a goal that was helped along by a deflection in the 60th minute.

Argentina’s first game is on Tuesday against Saudi Arabia. After that, they play Mexico and Poland in Group C.

Photo by EPA/ALI HAIDER