Fans Cry Rip-off as Messi and Ronaldo Are Subbed at Half-Time in Boring Friendly

Manchester United's Old Trafford ground holds over 75,000 people, but according to Sky Sports, just over 40,000 spectators turned up to watch Portugal beat Argentina 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal by Raphael Guerreiro.

The match had been dubbed as a clash between the world's two best players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but with ticket prices of up to £60, many would-be attendees stayed away because of the price. 

Those that did turn-up, were then left short-changed as Messi and Ronaldo were both substituted at half-time, after making little impact in a dull game. 

The response from those who attended the game, and those who dodged a bullet and stayed at home, was predictable on Twitter. 

"

Queued for 1hr outside Old Trafford to get pre paid £60 tickets. Missed entire 1st half. Messi and Ronaldo were taken off at half time.

— David Wilson (@nameswilson) November 18, 2014"

"

Ronaldo and Messi only played 45 min and I paid 60 quid for the game. And on top of that I traveled over 200 miles to see them. #wasteoftime

— Frederick Jordan (@mj_dec101) November 19, 2014"

"

55' Dedicated fans have come out to Old Trafford and paid £60 to see Ronaldo and Messi, both been subbed, at HT. Poor from POR/ARG.

— Manchester United (@themanutdway) November 18, 2014"

"

Both Ronaldo and Messi off at half-time, half the attendance and half the game, no half measures on price for the paying punters - £40

— Paul Wilkes (@paulwilkesfooty) November 18, 2014"

"

£40 for 45 minutes of Messi and Ronaldo. No wonder it's half full. Disgraceful.

— Peter Hall (@PeteHall86) November 18, 2014"

"

Argentina 0-1 Portugal....£35-£60 per ticket. It was utter dross.

— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) November 18, 2014"

"

The attendance at Old Trafford is simply shocking. Ridiculous ticket prices by the organises (not United). Not paying £60 just to boo Messi!

— Geraint Duckfield (@GJDPhotography) November 18, 2014"

"

Loads of tickets left for Argentina v Portugal tonight. Would LOVE to go but £60 per ticket?! Are you having a laugh @ManUtd ?!!

— Christine Houlding (@kittyboochris) November 18, 2014"

"

No wonder tickets are still available for Ronaldo Vs Messi, £60 adult and £30.00 child #joke

— Andy C (@apcmtb) November 18, 2014"

"

The Argentina vs Portugal game last night looked well worth the £60 ticket price pic.twitter.com/QqlYZftEHs

— Tom Parker (@TomParker81) November 19, 2014"

It is hard to argue that the fans who went to the game weren't ripped off by the asking price, but the silver lining is it might make organisers think twice about charging similar prices in future. 

[Twitter]