World Cup 2022 / preparation: Lionel Messi shines with Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo towards a package with Portugal

We’re fine-tuning the final settings before the World Cup. And Argentina looks ready to fight. The Argentinians made short work of the United Arab Emirates (5-0) on Wednesday in their last preparation match, six days before their entry into the tournament. With this 36th game in a row without defeat, the Albiceleste is only one length away from the unbeaten record held since 2021 by Italy.

At the Mohammed-Bin-Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Lionel Messi took the opportunity to confirm the very good form of his start to the season with PSG. Decisive passer on the opener of Julian Alvarez (17th), the Argentine strategist also scored just before the break (44th), with the right foot after a hook. Argentina was also able to reassure themselves about the state of form of the former Parisian Angel Di Maria, author of a double (25th, 36th). Joaquin Correa scored a fifth goal on the hour mark.

Santos asked about the CR7 interview

If Messi was able to stretch his legs a little before the World Cup, this will probably not be the case for Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 should not participate in Portugal’s last warm-up match against Nigeria on Thursday in Lisbon. “He suffers from gastritis syndrome (…) and will not train today (Wednesday) for this reason“, explained the Portuguese coach Fernando Santos, specifying that the captain of the Seleçao “surely won’t be readyto play the next day.

Fernando Santos clarified that the CR7 package was not linked to the explosive interview given by the Portuguese to Piers Morgan, who almost confirmed his departure from Manchester United next winter. “This case has nothing to do with us and the national team,” reacted the Portuguese coach, asked several times about the impact of this controversy on the preparation for the World Cup. “It’s an interview about him and it’s very personal, and we have to respect that.”

(with AFP)