Messi Magic

http://footballworldinfo.blogspot.com/2010/12/lionel-messi.html

Lionel Messi's last-gasp strike lifted Argentina to a battling win over Portugal in Geneva.

In a game featuring two of the planet's best players in FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the Argentinian who earned the bragging rights as he slotted home a penalty in the final minute. Angel Di Maria fired Argentina ahead in the 14th minute before Ronaldo levelled things up seven minutes later and the game appeared to be heading for a draw before Messi's involvement.

Portugal attacked early on and Gabriel Milito had to be alert for the South Americans to get in ahead of Nani and Hugo Almeida. However, the Argentina midfield started to take control with Messi spearheading their attacks.

The Barcelona forward headed just wide before crossing for Esteban Cambiasso with Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo called on to cut off. However, it took less than a quarter of an hour for Messi to unlock the Portugal defence as he moved from the right wing into a central position where he provided a simple, one-on-one chance for Di Maria who slotted home.

Just seven minutes later, though, Portugal replied through Ronaldo. Nani crossed from the left, Almeida got his head to ball and Ronaldo pounced to send it past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero. The Real Madrid forward almost scored again just two minutes later but he sent his long-range shot just wide.

Portugal were the better team after the break, Almeida heading narrowly wide from Ronaldo's cross before the former hit the bar and Ronaldo failed to change the rebound. Messi replied with a free-kick which substitute goalkeeper Rui Patricio deflected for a corner before the game lost its strength with a number of substitutions, of which Ronaldo was one.

As a result, Argentina began to dominate, Faustino Rojo just failing to convert Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross before Javier Pastore was close with a header after Messi's free-kick had hit the bar with a little over five minutes to go. However, Messi was not to be denied and Argentina were awarded a last-minute penalty when Coentrao was fouled in the area by Juan Manuel Martinez.

Messi sent his shot to the right of the keeper and sealed a hard-earned victory.