Messi Wins Ronaldo Clash In Friendly (Video)

Messi's late goal brought Argentina's 2-1 victory over Portugal

Messi wins every clash against Cristiano Ronaldo, either we speak about official or friendly games. Argentina beat Portugal 2-1 in epic last night at the Stade de Geneve thanks to Ballon d’Or’s late goal.

Real Madrid’s star and Ronaldo’s team-mate Di Maria brought the first lead for the Argentines after – who else – Messi finished a classic dribbling with a superb through pass for the left-footer who put it home past keeper Eduard. But Portugal’s reply came just five minutes later. Nani’s 18^th minute cross, which was meant to beat Romero, arrived in keeper’s palms who managed thus to keep the sheet clean. But the unexpected would come just two minutes later.

Ronaldo – who else – brought the equalizer for Paulo Bento’s side after Almeida’s head deflection found the Real Madrid star alone inside the box and face to face with Romero whom he finally defeated as just. Ronaldo’s second reply came just five minutes after the first goal, the midfielder striking a 25-yard shot which was finally deflected for a corner kick. The last minutes of the first half saw Banega taking a 30-yard shot outside the post.

Hardly did the second half start that Ronaldo was the first to put more pressure on Romero’s net. But Portugal’s star header hit the crossbar to keep the scoreboard unchanged. Almeida had the biggest chance of the game in the 56^th minute. Ronaldo put keeper Romero in big trouble but his team-mate failed to strike it home from close range.

The friendly included four yellow cards, three for Portugal (C. Martins, M. Veloso and R. Quaresma) and one for the Argentines, F. Gago. Messi would have the last word in Geneve. FC Barcelona star converted a last-minute penalty that followed Fabio Coentrao’s tough challenge over Zabaleta. 2-1 as Messi wins another clash against Ronaldo.

Other friendly results:

Argentina – S. Romero, J. Zanetti, N. Burdisso, M. ROjo, G. Milito, J. Mascherano, E. Cambiasso, L. Messi, E. Lavezzi, A. di Maria, E Banega. Reserves: J. Sosa, P. Zabaleta, F. Gago, L. Biglia, M. Andujar, E. Garay, J. Pastore, N. Gaitan, C. Chavez, J. Martinez.

Portugal – Eduardo, Ronaldo, J. Pereira, Bruno Alves, Raul Meireless, F. Coentrao, J. Moutinho, C. Martins, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, H. Almeida. Reserves: P. Machado, H. Ventura, Ricardo Costa, R. Quaresma, Danny, Rui Patricio, Me. Veloso, Helder Postiga.

Other friendly results:

Honduras 1 – 1 Ecuador

Venezuela 2 – 2 Costa Rica

Mexico 2 – 0 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Spain 1 – 0 Colombia

France 1 – 0 Brazil

Scotland 3 – 0 Northern Ireland

Poland 1 – 0 Norway

Germany 1 – 1 Italy

Netherlands 3 – 1 Austria

Belgium 1 – 1 Finland

Luxemburg 2 – 1 Slovakia

Malta 0 – 0 Switzerland

Denmark 1 – 2 England

Cyprus 1 – 1 Romania

Estonia 2 – 2 Bulgaria

Albania 1 – 2 Slovenia

Israel 0 – 2 Serbia

Sweden 1 – 1 Ukraine

Turley 0 – 0 Korea Republic11