Saturday, 26 July 2014

Lionel Messi stars in Deco's testimonial as Barcelona's 2006 side draw 4-4 with Porto's Class of 2004... But QPR target Samuel Eto'o steals the show with cheeky finish and pre match messing around


Pals: Samuel Eto'o and Deco greet each other during the pre match pleasantries at the Estadio de Dragao stadium in Porto ahead of the testimonial

Two Champions League-winning sides came together to celebrate Portuguese midfielder Deco's testimonial on Friday, marking the end of the career of one of Europe's greatest midfielders of the 21st century.

The game, featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Benni McCarthy and Paulo Ferreira, ended 4-4, with Samuel Eto'o scoring twice and Deco getting the decisive strike for Porto having played for both sides.

On an emotional occasion the Portuguese playmaker nipped in with a tidy finish in the 89th minute, which proved to be the last touch of the game. But Eto'o's cheeky antics were what had most people talking.

A familiar sight: Messi streaks past two defenders who end up on the floor trying and failing to take the ball off the Barcelona maestro on his first game after the World Cup

Headline act: Lionel Messi is greeted by his former team mate ahead of the game - with Deco playing a half for each side in the Estadio de Dragao

Barca boy: Messi and Deco

Porto pals: Coach Fernando Santos and Deco

Just like old times: Messi and Deco congratulate Eto'o on one of his two strikes during the friendly

Still got it: Former Blackburn and Porto striker Benni McCarthy vies for the ball with former Barcelona defenders Sylvinho and Oleguer

The centre forward, who spearheaded Barca's attack in 2006, was on top form. The first of his two goals came after he waited on the goalline for a defender to catch him before tapping in. And even before the game he was posing for the camera's as the camera panned across the assembled stars.

But the evening was all about Deco - he ended up scoring and setting up goals for both sides on a fitting end to a trophy-heavy career that took in time with both of these sides as well as Chelsea.

Derlei, Benni McCarthy scored for Porto as they raced into a 2-0 first half lead, and Edgaras Jankauskas also bagged for the Portuguese side. Messi scored Barcelona's third on the night, converting a rare header from an Eto'o cross.

Night of celebration: Deco gives Messi and Eto'o a big hug after one of Barcelona's four goals on the night

Odd one out: Edgar Davids

Former Catalan: Eidur Gudjohnsen

Family day out: Deco walks out over the pitch with his family minutes after his 89th minute equaliser signaled the end of the game in Porto

Big love: Eto'o sends out a message to his former team mates after the 4-4 draw on Twitter

Brothers in arms: Messi and the former Chelsea striker pose for a photo together in the dressing room after the game



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