A 60,000 crowd sell out at Stade Velodrome saw Lionel Messi run riot in tonights fixture between Argentina and France. Messi snatched the winner with only 8 minutes left to make the final score 2 – 0 to Argentina

Pre match entertainment saw Diego Maradona applauded onto field, whilst the opposite occurred for Raymond Domenech after there disappointing first round exit in the European Championship 2008.

Argentina took the lead on the 41st minute after Jonas Gutierrez smashed the ball into the back of the net, whilst superstar Lionel Messi, scored quite simply a special goal on the 82′nd minute. Messi had an earlier chance which was blocked by ex Arsenal captain William Gallas. Gallas slid in just in time after a mazy run from Messi, which showed some fantastic dribbling techniques.

France had chances right from the start, with Messis’ team mate Thierry Henry missing a great chance early doors, he wasn’t the only French player missing shots, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka failed to hit the target from a great cross by Frank Ribery.

At the other end Messi showed his dribbling abilities with a mazy burst into the box – but William Gallas got back in the nick of time to block his low effort. William Gallas and Lionel Messi had a running battle all night, in which Gallas recieved a yellow card after he dragged Messi down, once again from a fantastic run.

Straight after half time Les Bleus had a chance with Phillipe Mexes, but he headed over, whilst at the other end, Messi and Sergio Aguero caused more probing threats.

Finally with eight minutes left on the clock, with the game swinging away from France, Messi struck a pearler after a Carlos Tevez flick and a darting run, made the game, set and match to Argentina.

Top quality performance by Messi, proving tonight he is one of the worlds best footballers at the present time.

France Squad:
Steve Mandanda, Bakary Sagna, William Gallas, Philippe Mexes, Eric Abidal, Jeremy Toulalan, Lassana Diarra, Frank Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry.

Argentina Squad:
Juan Pablo Carrizo, Martin Demichelis, Jonas Gutierrez, Gabriel Heinze, Javier Zanetti, Emiliano Papa, Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi.

The exciting clash between Argentina and France is getting ever close and here is my attempt at guessing tonights squad. I have predicted a start for Barcelonas top striker Lionel Messi, who has had so much praise recently, especially linking him to being the new Diego Maradona.

France
Hugo Lloris, Bacary Sagna, Eric Abidal, Phillipe Mexes, William Gallas; Lassana Diarra, Jeremy Toulalan; Frank Ribery, Karim Benzema, Yoann Gourcuff, Thierry Henry

Argentina
Juan Pablo Carrizo, Javier Zanetti, Emiliano Papa, Gabriel Heinze, Demichellis; Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago; Maxi Rodriguez, Lucho Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez

Two top strikers lock horns tonight at Marseilles Stade Velodrome, with France playing Argentina. Lionel Messi Vs Thierry Henry, team mates at Barcelona.

Henry and Messi have played together for around a year and half, with each other knowing there weaknesses and strengths. Thierry Henry has stated “he has asked his Les Bleus defenders not to bother trying to stop him. There is no way to stop Leo. If he has a good day, then there’s really no way of stopping him,” he told reporters on the eve of the game.”

Henry was then asked the following question: Is Lionel Messi better than Diego Maradona?

“Maradona was incredible. The things that he would do on the pitch were incredible. And if Diego says that Leo will surpass him, it will be unbelievable. It will be something to behold.

In the upcoming international fixture between France and Argentina, to be played at the Stade Velodrome.

The French coach Raymond Domenech is full of praise for Messi “he has something exceptional” according to an article on reuters. Messi is on top form at the moment, scoring 16 goals in 19 La Liga games.

“We see what he’s able to do with Barca but also with Argentina, he is able to turn a match around.

“We will face an outstanding player and we will see if we are able to compete at the highest level.”

Wouldn’t it be lovely to see Messi control the game with his flair and enterprise, just like Diego Maradona did on the same ground 20 years ago!

A 10th consecutive victory for Barcelona in a 3 – 1 win over Sporting Gijon in La Liga. Star man Samuel Eto’o scored a brace whilst Lionel Messi contributed to the win.

Messi cut infield from the right side and cut a pass to Samuel Eto’o and rifled the ball home after skinning the embarrased defender Gerard Autet. Lionel was a constent pain for Sporting Gijon

The win for Barcelona gives them a 12 point gap at the top, they are looking and playing like Champions. They are a very good bet for being crowned champions of Europe aswell in the UEFA Champions League.