Half an hour gone and Argentina win a dangerous free which will suit Messi given the location.... UAE's bright start seems to be a distant memory as Argentina dominate and the home side are totally unable to thread together any sort of meaning possession as the men in blue control the action. What a pass from Acuña and what a first time volley from Di Maria Argentina in total control now with the goal seeming to take the wind out of the UAE side.
Can Argentina go all the way? Difficult to tell from today's showing but what an end it would be to a dazzling international career for Messi and am sure few would begrudge the Argentina such a farewell. De Paul happy with Dubai testSpeaking post game, Rodrigo de Paul stated:" We head to the World Cup in good shape. It was a good test, it was important that they don't manages to score against us. " Julián Álvarez 16', Di María 24', 35', Messi 43' and Joaquin Correa 59' among the goals tonight for Scaloni's side. Next up for Argentina, a Group C test next Tuesday against Saudi Arabia. No mercy from the South American side as they head to Qatar on the back of a morale boosting victory, albeit against a very average UAE outfit.
Martinez carded for a rash challenge... first booking of the night. UAE trying to take some of the impetus away from Argentina with the game now played at walking pace. Alvarez off with Fernandez his replacement... Expect he rhythm of the game to take some time to be restored with all these switches. Otamendi and Acuña also off for the visitors with Correa and Pezella on Change for UAE as De Lima is on. Mabkhout making way... Off: MacAllister & Di MariaOn: Molina and Montiel Changes afoot for Lionel Scaloni's side.... HT: UAE 0-4 ARGSomewhat surprising to see that the Argentina national side has yet to launch an English language version with the likes of France, Germany and Mexico all carrying English language Twiter feeds.
Last Dance for Messi in Qatar? Everything points to the 2022 World Cup being Leo Messi's final appearance at a major tournament. The PSG star is desperate to add a World Cup winners medal to the Copa America triumph after Argentina beat Brazil in the last final in Rio. In a recent interview the Rosario born player admitted that his playing days were potentially coming to an end. Messi startsScaloni has selected Messi to start from the first minute. Alvarez will spearhead the Albiceleste front line with Di Maria and Messi supporting the Inter striker.
Approaching the 70 minute mark and it's really a question of when will Argentina feel enough is enough as they could put ten past UAE if they had the hunger. The key match in Group C is without doubt the opener between Mexico and Poland with the general assumption being that Argentina will top the group and the battle for second place and a place in the Round of 16 a tussle between the European and Central American sides. Messi still on the pitch and surely its only a matter of time before the PSG striker is subbed.
Live Commentary - U.A.E. vs Argentina | 16.11.2022 - Sky Sports
[""LIVESTREAM]TV=""]Argentina vs UAE LIVE (International
Goals and Highlights: United Arab Emirates 0-5 Argentina in
Fine assist from Messi who feeds the City striker. Argentina go ahead as Julian Alvarez slots home Rodrigo de Paul getting plenty of the ball and looking like being the creative player at the heart of the Argentina midfield. Upon the conclusion of tonight's game, the Argentine World Cup expedition will take the one hour flight from Abu Dhabi and land in Doha later tonight. Al Maazmi strikes and the ball takes a deflection and UAE win a corner. The home side are not being outclassed by any means despite Argentine dominating possession. Fine ball from De Paul as the Atletico man almost finds Messi, the delivery was just overhit for the PSG striker. Fine ball from Messi as he looks to find Alvarez but the ball is just inches away from the Man City striker. Despite many Argentina shirts in the crowd, they seem to be sported by locals with no discernable away support visible here in Abu Dhabi.
[LIVE-FREE]TV]Argentina vs UAE Live Coverage - Zencastr
UAE attempt to offer a quick reply as De Lima drills the ball over the bar from an acute angle The Atletico Madrid striker beating three white shirts to the ball after a fina pass from De Paul Drifting towards the hour mark now and the game has transcended into a 'training ground feel'.... limited intensity and very little in terms of noise from the fans here in Abu Dhabi.
A decent opening first ten minutes or so from the home team but they soon wilted after the first Argentina goal from Julian Alvarez. The one minute of added time is up and the whistle sounds for the break. Goal No. 91 for Messi in an Argentina shirt Gooooooool. Messi gets in on the action with a fine right footed finish The important thing for Scaloni's men now is to avoid injury.
UAE - Argentina summary: score, goals, highlights, World Cup 2022 friendlyUAE 0-5 Argentina: as it happenedSo, as we bid farewell from Dubai after Argentina brushed UAE aside putting five goals past the Asian side. Next up for Lionel Scaloni and his side... the 2022 World Cup! Many thanks for joining us tonight. Next up from us on the pre-World Cup games will be Mexico vs Sweden with Wolves striker apparently to get playing time in Girona so make sure to join us as El Tri play their final warm-up match. So, a decent result for Argentina today with no players apparently sustaining knocks and a hatful of goals against a rival that is supposed to 'mirror' Saudi Arabia. Though, I'm totally confident that the 'Green Falcons' will offer more fight next Tuesday in Lusail.
FIVE-fold Argentina ROUT UAE by 5-0, head to FIFA World
United Arab Emirates - Argentina On-demand Coverage
The design, based on a gold upper, is inspired by the adidas F30 boots worn by Messi in the 2006 World Cup. Argentina's Group C rivals Saudi Arabia were in action earlier today with the Green Falcons falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Croatia with Kamaric getting the only goal of the game. Mexico too are in action later on Wednesday as they face Sweden in Girona with El Tri set to be Argentina's second opponents at the World Cup. UAE at the Gulf CupThe Emirates side are pitted in Group B at the competition which gets underway in Iraq in early January where they will face Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. UAE are two times winners of the competition having claimed the title in 2007 and 2013. The Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi was the venue for the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003 and has hosted games as part of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 & 2010.
UAE 0-5 Argentina Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2022 warm-up