Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is all smiles during a training sessionReuters

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina vs Portugal. The most exciting of friendly clashes awaits everyone on Tuesday at Ronaldo's former home ground – the iconic Old Trafford.

Any clash between two of the best players in the world is something to be revered, and that fact that this particular match is taking place at the ground where Ronaldo is an absolute hero only add another level to the excitement.

And Ronaldo will hope to give those Manchester United and Portugal fans something to cheer about by continuing his ridiculous form in front of goal this season. Ronaldo was the man to score the winning goal for Portugal in their last match, a crucial 1-0 victory over Armenia.

In fact, the two goals that Portugal have scored in the Euro qualifiers so far have both come from Ronaldo, with the Real Madrid talisman guiding his team to second place in I as a result, a point behind Denmark, who have played a game more.

Ronaldo will be the focus for Portugal, yet again, when they take the field against Messi's Argentina, who are, after all, the runners-up of the last World Cup.

"He is doing a great job during this past six or seven years," Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho said. He is improving all the small details, making so many goals.

"He wants always more, even in training. He is looking always to try his best. It is difficult because when you see him, he is almost perfect, strong, good in the air, fit always. It is difficult to say what he is missing.

"He is strong, good in the air, good with his feet and he wants to win more and more."

Lionel Messi Argentina
Lionel Messi will look to outshine his rival Cristiano Ronaldo when Argentina take on Portugal in an international friendlyReuters

Argentina are also coming off a win in their last game, albeit a friendly against Croatia at Upton Park. Barcelona superstar Messi was the one to rescue a victory for his team as well, scoring the winner, from the penalty spot, to complete a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.

The South Americans are using these high-profile matches to help fine tune their game ahead of a Copa America campaign next summer.

"We all know how good Argentina are. They were finalists in the World Cup," added Carvalho. "They have players who can decide the match in the spur of the moment. We just have to keep our eyes open and do our best.

"We don't know exactly who is going to play but the most important thing is for us to defend as a team and as a block and whoever is the nearest player, you need to mark them."

For the present, though, this match is about two people – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, even if Carvalho might disagree.

"It is normal about the game to speak about Cristiano and Messi but I think it is Portugal against Argentina," said the former Chelsea and Real Madrid centre-back.

Where to Watch Live

The Argentina (read Messi) vs Portugal (read Ronaldo) international friendly is scheduled for a 7.30 pm GMT (1 am IST (Wednesday) start with live coverage in India on Sony Six. Viewers can also catch the match via live streaming online on LivSports.

The match will be shown live in Argentina on TYC Sports, with live TV coverage in Portugal on RTP 1.

Audience in the UK and Ireland can watch this cannot-miss-it match on MUTV or MUTV Online. Viewers in the USA can watch the action on Bein Sports, with the option to live stream the action on Bein Sports Connect TV. Viewers in the Middle East and North Africa can watch the game on Bein Sports Arabia or via live streaming on Bein Sports Connect.