The on-going rivalry between Barcelona & Real Madrid, and moreover Messi vs Ronaldo has reached a new stage. Yesterday Cristiano Ronaldo wowed critics with a hat trick performance against Spain, with the game all but under wraps, his third goal coming in the 88th minute to secure the draw. Unfortunately Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates were less fortunate against a resilient Iceland side, in their opening fixture at the 2018 World Cup.
After Sergio Aguero gave his side the lead inside the 19 minute mark, Alfred Finnbogason quickly answered 4 minutes later with a tap in front the goal. Argentinian keeper Willy Caballero, experience his first tourney as the undisputed #1, was helpless after bobbling a volley from Gylfi Sigurðsson on the face of goal. Both teams jockeyed for possessions, until halftime presided with both teams looking ahead carte blanche.
The crucial moment for Argentina came shortly after intermission, when Lionel Messi was down inside the box. The ref pointed to the spot and naturally Messi was decided amongst his teammates he was the worthy choice to play "God." Unfortunately Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorsson was smart to assume a more central position on the goal line, because Messi barely picked his spot, walking away dismayed. After which, a neatly organized Iceland side was more than able to keep pace, and the score remained 1-1 'til the final whistle. Could this be yet another disappointing tourney for the world's greatest player or does Cristiano Ronaldo stake his claim?
Watch and find out.