Heading into Argentina’s friendly meeting with Portugal on Wednesday, there’s no doubting the dominant narrative. Despite the certain presence of 20 other players on the field at kickoff, all attention will be focused on two men: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Yep, the world’s two best players will go head-to-head once again, though this time in an international rather than domestic context.
Argentina vs. Portugal live stream: Time, TV schedule, how to watch online and more
The world’s two best players face off in a friendly at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Messi's Argentina head into the match as favourites, with the World Cup finalists having beaten Croatia in a friendly in London last week. Portugal head into the game on the back of a couple of victories, too, though a single Ronaldo goal prevented them from being held to a draw by minnows Armenia on Friday. It has been a slow start to Fernando Santos' tenure.
However, Portugal will be looking to feast on Argentina's defensive weaknesses, with Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo and Federico Fernández all unavailable through injury. Portugal's only serious absentee is Real Madrid full-back Fábio Coentrão.
Key players - Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ok, ok, we’re certainly sitting on the fence here, but how could we possibly choose a key player when two of the finest footballers to ever grace the field are set to face off? They’re both matchwinners; the fleet-footed Messi thanks to his wonderful close control and vision, and Ronaldo courtesy of a his phenomenal power. There really is no separating them, and whoever is on better form on Tuesday could well determine the match.
Key question - Will Argentina’s defence hold up?
Even when at full strength, Argentina’s defence is their Achilles’ heel, so when their three best centre-backs are ruled out injured, things start to look pretty bleak. Against Croatia they started with Santiago Vergini and Federico Fazio at the back, and they’re both patchy at best. If Portugal -- and in particular Ronaldo -- can take advantage of Arentina’s weakness at the back, they could wreak havoc.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), TyC Sports Internacional, beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), MUTV (U.K.), TyC Sports (Argentina), RTP 1 (Portugal)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada)
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