Argentina prevail 5-0 over UAE

Lionel Messi stole the show as Argentina completed their preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 5-0 win over the UAE.

The PSG star scored one and made one in front of a sell-out crowd at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Messi squared for Julian Alvarez to open the scoring before adding a fourth on the stroke of half time.

Angel Di Maria’s earlier double and a second half strike from substitute Joaquin Correa ensured Argentina head for Qatar unbeaten in 36 matches and the favourites for World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, the UAE, who failed to qualify for the showpiece event, have their sights set on the Arabian Gulf Cup, which kicks off in Iraq in January.