Preview: Portugal vs. Argentina

For just the second time since his 2009 departure to Real Madrid, former Manchester United talisman Cristiano Ronaldo will turn out at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

Fitness permitting, the 29-year-old, who is still revered by the United faithful, will captain a Portugal side that will face World Cup finalists Argentina in a friendly encounter.

Ronaldo proved his worth to the Seleccao on Friday evening when he scored the only goal of the game against Armenia to give his side a critical three points in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Yet, while Ronaldo is known to yearn for the spotlight, he will have to share it on Tuesday evening with a certain Lionel Messi.

Indeed, it will be the first time that the pair have come face to face since Ronaldo was forced to deny claims in Spanish journalist Guillem Balague's book that he has a derogatory nickname for the Barcelona star when inside the walls of the Madrid dressing room.

When these two sides last met in 2011, both players found the net, but it was Messi's goal that ended up being the most crucial as he fired in a stoppage-time penalty to seal a 2-1 win for the Argentines.

It secured a fifth victory for the South American nation over their European counterparts, who have won this fixture on just one previous occasion - back in 1972 when the late Eusebio was among the goalscorers.

As well as the battle between Ronaldo and Messi, plenty of other talent is expected to be on show in both lineups, with the likes of Angel di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Joao Moutinho and Nani all tipped to feature at some point.

Portugal:

Form in friendlies: LWDWWL Form in all competitions: DWLLWW

Possible starting lineup: Patricio; Bosingwa, Carvalho, Pepe, Guerreiro; Tiago, Danny, Moutinho, Nani; Ronaldo, Eder

Argentina:

Form in friendlies: WWWLWW Form in all competitions: DLWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Caballero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Demichelis, Ansaldi; Mascherano, Perez; Di Maria, Messi, Aguero; Tevez

Sports Mole says: 0-2