Lionel Messi: Crowd's reaction when Argentina star was fouled v UAE | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was in fine form as Argentina crushed United Arab Emirates in their friendly match on Wednesday afternoon.

The Paris-Saint Germain star was in the starting lineup for Argentina’s final game ahead of the World Cup.

And he played a key role as the South Americans ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.

Messi played the full 90 minutes and picked up a goal and an assist as Argentina eased past their opponents.

The 35-year-old showed great selflessness to set up Julian Alvarez’s opener.

Messi ran through on goal and easily could have scored himself, but decided to set up Alvarez instead for an open goal.

Angel Di Maria then netted a brace before Messi got on the scoresheet and notched Argentina’s fourth just before half-time.

Messi picked up the ball just outside of UAE’s box, ghosted past a defender and then found the top corner with his right footed effort.

Joaquin Correa made it 5-0 after 60 minutes and there were no further goals as Argentina ran out comfortable winners.

Lionel Messi has mini injury scare

While Messi came through the full 90 minutes, there was a heart-in-mouth moment where Messi fell to the ground after a challenge from a UAE player.

Messi could be seen grimacing and holding his leg.

He was helped up to his feet and still looked as if he was feeling the effects of the challenge, but, fortunately, it was all a false alarm and he was able to continue.

Fan footage has shown the reaction from those inside the stadium to the Messi foul.

Many of those in attendance rose to their feet and many shouted when Messi collapsed to the floor, but their fears were erased when Messi was helped up by an opponent. View the moment below…

VIDEO: Crowd reaction when Messi was fouled in Argentina vs UAE

Everyone wants to see Messi play in what could well be his last ever World Cup in Qatar.

He came ever so close to lifting the trophy in 2014, but his Argentina side were defeated by Germany in the final after extra-time.

He will be looking to lead Argentina to glory in Qatar this summer. They have been placed in Group C and will face Saudi Arabia in their opening game on November 22.

They will also face off against Mexico and Poland. Messi and Argentina will be expected to progress through the group and into the latter stages of the competition.