Argentina switch friendly clash with Portugal from Arsenal to Geneva

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Updated: 09:55 EST, 6 January 2011

Argentina's showpiece London friendly against Portugal has been axed - denying fans the mouthwatering prospect of seeing Lionel Messi line up against Cristiano Ronaldo.

The game had been scheduled for Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on February 9, but has now been shifted to Switzerland.

The Gunners did not elaborate on why the game had been canned, but the Argentine FA said the move was because of a clash with England's friendly against Denmark - 600 miles away in Copenhagen.

One of the greats: Lionel Messi could be lining up against Portugal in Geneva

It is the second time Argentina have had to change their plans for February.

Coincidentally, they had initially hoped to play England in Denmark on February 9 but were told it must be 24 hours earlier to avoid a clash with the host nation scheduling a friendly.

Switzerland have no such demands despite their national team playing in Malta on the same day.

But the move is likely to be at a cost for Argentina, who were the designated home team hoping for a 60,000-capacity crowd at the Emirates Stadium. In contrast, the Stade de Geneve in Geneva holds just 30,000.

It is also a blow for Arsenal, who had been used to hosting Brazil in recent years, only to find the South Americans turning elsewhere for recent friendlies.

Arsenal said: 'Due to circumstances beyond our control, Arsenal regrets the cancellation of the international friendly match between Argentina and Portugal scheduled to be held at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 9th February 2011. Tickets had not gone on sale for this fixture.'