MESSI WARMING UP NICELY

LIONEL MESSI was on target as Argentina warmed up for the World Cup by thrashing United Arab Emirates 5-0.

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi (right) created the opener for Julian Alvarez before Angel Di Maria’s double.

Messi netted the fourth before half-time and Joaquin Correa completed the rout.

Argentina begin their campaign on Tuesday against Saudi Arabia, who lost 1-0 to Croatia.

Germany laboured to a 1-0 win over Oman last night as Hansi Flick’s side failed to send a menacing message to their rivals. Oman nearly took a shock lead in the second half when Mohsin Al Ghassani somehow missed from five yards.

The hosts were then made to pay as Niclas Fullkrug – who replaced debutant wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko at half-time – slotted home the 80th-minute winner, but the Germans failed to impress.

Poland, who are in the same Group C, beat Chile 1-0 thanks to a strike from Krzysztof Piatek. Star striker Robert Lewandowski was left on the bench.