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Mop-up

Talking points: Messi wins the battle of the giants as Scots impress in Dublin

Here’s everything you need to know after a busy night of international football.

LIKE A GOLDFISH or particularly spontaneous human we lived life minute by minute again tonight.

If you missed the live action during a hectic evening of top-drawer international football, catch up here.

Alternatively, stay here! Here’s just what you need to know before you head to bed.

Man of the night

Step forward, Mr Messi. On a heavily-stacked card of big-time football, the showdown of the Barcelona No 10 and the Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo took top billing.

The Argentina forward tucked away a late penalty to seal the win for the South Americans.

Best performace from a leading actress

The Academy Awards are just around the corner and Anderson Hernanes seems keen to pick up a gong for his Natalie Portman-influenced effort. He nearly beheads Karim Benzema with a flying kung-fu kick.

It’s like Black Swan; but less violent and balletic.

Pub trivia of the night

Scott Parker came on during England’s 2-1 win in Copenhagen. He’s won his four England caps while playing for four different clubs.

Tweet of the night

One visiting journalist from the Belfast Telegraph was succinct in his summary of the action in Ballsbridge. And he’s pretty unimpressed with The Palindrome.

Ill-advised turn of phrase

One would’ve thought some phrases were off limits since Messrs Keys and Gray vacated the studio. But Matt Le Tisser isn’t afraid to go there as Benzema puts France ahead in Paris:

“It has to be said.. he’s smashed it”.

Miss of the night

Take a bow Hugo Almeida, you magnificent bastard. Argentina went on to win.

Goal of the night

This effort from Scotland’s James McArthur against Northern Ireland takes some beating… if he meant it.