Certainly the opponent was certainly not at the level, but Lionel Messi is ready for the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina’s number 10, lined up in attack alongside former Parisian Angel Di Maria, and Manchester City rookie Julian Alvarez, took part in the Albiceleste party by scoring his team’s fourth goal before the end of the first period.
Shifted perfectly to the right of the opposing goal, by an Angel Di Maria of the big nights too (two goals, an assist), and after a classy collective action in one touch, the little Argentinian genius first feigned the shot from the left, to hook the last defender, and quietly place the ball from the right in the top corner of the goal of the United Arab Emirates goalkeeper, who was left speechless at the action.
Dress rehearsal before the World Cup
In the 44th minute of the match, Lionel Messi came to score the fourth goal of the Albiceleste demonstration (5-0). The Paris Saint-Germain star had already delivered an assist at the quarter-hour mark on the opener of Alvarez.
This friendly match against the United Arab Emirates also revealed the eleven type that Lionel Scaloni should line up during the group stage. We therefore find the former Parisian Leandro Paredes at the heart of the game, accompanied by Rodrigo De Paul and Brighton player Alexis Mac Alister. Behind, Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez should protect the cages of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The only uncertainty, Juan Foyth occupied the right lane of the defense, normally reserved for Gonzalo Montiel, who came into play after halftime.