Video of Lionel Messi’s Sublime Goal Against UAE in World Cup Warm Up Emerges

• Argentina forward Lionel Messi was on target during the team's pre-World Cup friendly against the United Arab Emirates
• The South Americans are bidding to win their third title in Qatar 2022, which is also Messi’s last World Cup for his country
• Argentina, who were world champions in 1978 and 1986, play their Group C matches against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland

Lionel Messi marked his World Cup preparation with a goal and an assist for Argentina, in their final warm-up game against the United Arab Emirates before this year's tournament in Qatar.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar set up Julian Alvarez in the 16th minute for the first goal for La Albiceleste on Wednesday, at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner then netted himself in the 44th minute, when he dribbled past two players to get on the scoresheet.

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The goal was Messi’s 91st of his international career. At the end of half-time, Argentina was 4-0 up against the UAE.

The former Barcelona star has notched 10 goals in his last four games for the South American giants, the most he's scored in any 4-game span with La Albiceleste.

He also has multiple goal contributions in 5 straight games for Argentina.

Messi will be hoping to lead Argentina to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, having already won the tournament twice in 1978 and 1986.

Argentina is among the strongest contenders to lift the World Cup in Qatar, and is unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.

The 1986 world champions are competing in Group C against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland respectively.

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Messi jokes by faking injury

Messi decided to play with the hearts of his fans, after he faked an injury with his teammates during an Argentina team training session.

The Paris Saint-Germain star arrived at the Argentina camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday, alongside Juventus pair Angel Di Maria and Leonardo Paredes.

The 35-year-old did not waste time, joining a public training session in the afternoon.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Messi will make another stab at winning the FIFA World Cup and complete the set of trophies available to him.

For a player who has set the pace of football discussion for more than 10 years, it is surprisingly weird that he is yet to win the coveted Mundial.

Once Messi captains the side in their first match against Saudi Arabia on November 22, he will become the youngest player ever to participate in five World Cups, at 35 years old.