Argentina scored five and cruised to victory over the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi to sign off for the World Cup in style.
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria played starring roles as Argentina eased to a 5-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in their final outing ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s men had no trouble extending their unbeaten run to 36 games going into the tournament with a commanding victory in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Di Maria scored twice and assisted one for Messi, who had earlier played for Julian Alvarez in the opening half, as Argentina raced into a four-goal lead at half-time.
Substitute Joaquin Correa scored the only goal of a scrappy second half as the reigning South American champions signed Qatar in style.
Messi was clean on goal but unselfishly teed up Alvarez to push past Khalid Eisa as Argentina began their early dominance in the 17th minute.
Di Maria opened his account with a sharp volley that went wide of the far post and then produced some great footwork to get away from his man, round the keeper and add his second goal.
The United Arab Emirates, who finished behind Iran and South Korea in qualifying to miss out on a place in Qatar, were still behind before half-time when Messi fired past Eisa after Di Maria had played him in.
Despite making four changes at the break with Di Maria coming on, Argentina continued to dominate and Correa scored a fifth on the hour despite being under pressure.
Caio Canedo came closest to pulling off a shot for the UAE which was cleared late on, but La Albiceleste saw a fifth straight clean sheet.
Argentina Player Rating Vs. UAE
Dibu Martínez: 7.7
Otamendi: 7.2
Lisandro Martínez: 7.4
Foyrh : 7.3
Acuna : 7.3
Paredes : 7.7
De Paul: 8.7
Alister: 7.6
Di Maria: 9.3
Messi : 8.4
Alvarez: 7.8
Sub Player: Correa: 7.2
Pezzela : 7.0
Montiel: 6.3
Molina: 6.4
Enzo Fernandez: 6.7
Guido Rodrigez: 6.1
Player Of The Match : Angel Di Maria
