It was billed as a clash between the two best players in the world: Messi Vs Ronaldo. However, Tuesday’s friendly between Argentina and Portugal in Manchester failed to live up to, at least the promoter’s expectations, and a well below capacity Old Trafford witnessed a fairly insipid affair. The main protagonists were given just the first half before being replaced and neither set the game alight, although Messi was the busier of the two and provided some fleeting bright moments. The game was eventually decided in stoppage time when Raphaël Guerreiro headed in the winner completely unmarked from close range.

Given the lack of a show put on by either Messi nor Ronaldo, the main story from the match seems to be the potential injury to Ángel di María as he was subjected to a hefty challenge from Manchester United’s out on-loan winger, Nani. El Fideo has had scans on the foot injury and is now a doubt for United’s weekend match with Arsenal.

For Gerardo Martino, the result matters very little, he had the opportunity to watch several players over these two friendlies and is obviously still unsure over his best side ahead of an important 2015.

Argentina  0 – 1  Portugal