Lionel Messi leads Argentina past Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 2-1

It was a day for the stars.  The two brightest on the world stage. Lionel Messi leading Argentina against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.  The pair lived up to the billing as they both were on the scoresheet Wednesday.

Argentina would strike first as in the 15th minute of play Angel DiMaria opened the scoring.  Cristiano Ronaldo would reply quickly though as only 6 minutes later the match was tied.  Nani crossed from the left, Almeida got his head to ball and Ronaldo pounced to send it past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The match moved into the second half all even when the managers began making several substitutions.  Cristiano Ronaldo went off in the 60th and Argentina began to boss the game. Both Faustino Rojo and Javier Pastore narrowly missed putting Argentina ahead before Lionel Messi rifled a free kick off the bar in the 85th minute.

Just minutes later the deciding play would take place.  Argentine substitute Juan Manuel Martinez was dragged down by Coentrao and Argentina had their penalty kick.  Lionel Messi calmly put the spot kick away.  Argentina were 2-1 winners and Lionel Messi would shine a bit brighter than Cristiano Ronaldo.