Tickets for a November 16 friendly face-off between Lionel Messi-led star-studded Argentina and the UAE at Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium were sold out in less than 24 hours, reaffirming the emirate’s growing influence as a major international sports destination.
Fans, however, still have the chance to catch the South American stars – who are undefeated in 35 consecutive games – up close courtesy of a ticketed training session at Al Nahyan Stadium on November 14.
Messi has intimated that the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be his last, and it is telling that his final warm-up match before chasing the ultimate prize in world football one last time will take place in the UAE capital.
“We know how important a World Cup is to many countries, especially a country like Argentina, so we are honoured that Argentina has entrusted Abu Dhabi to host the final preparations,” Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, while highlighting their recently entered strategic partnership with the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
“It demonstrates the growing global confidence in our city to provide the best environment for world-class sport to flourish, and it is our pleasure to welcome one of the most popular teams in world football, ” he said.
Al Awani said whether it is a FIFA Club World Cup, a UFC Fight Night, or innumerable other international events, Abu Dhabi has proven its capabilities to host major sporting occasions.
Abu Dhabi recently raised the bar with October’s historic debut of the NBA at the Etihad Arena, which saw the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks play out a thrilling double-header.
That was followed by a blockbuster UFC 280 – Oliveira vs Makachev on Yas Island – one of the strongest UFC cards of the year.
The emirate made another sporting history with the WBA Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo’ Ramirez on November5, hosting the first ever boxing world title match contested in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE-Argentina match falls just days before the 14th Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend at Yas Marina Circuit.
The diverse calendar of international events combined with world-class infrastructure and facilities, have ultimately made the UAE capital a huge attraction.
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