"I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion." - Mia Hamm

Last night 78,936 soccer fans were treated to classic international friendly match of Style versus Heart as United States Men's National Team tied the Argentina National Team 1-1. While Argentina marveled the fans with their precision short-passes and attacking offense, the United States countered them with the excellent goalkeeping skills of Tim Howard and Juan Agudelo's equalizer.

Last night soccer fans witnessed the amazing ball-handling skills and toughness of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi. Not only was he breaking down defenses, but he would also get up immediately after being checked so his teammates can pass him the ball.

Messi was not only attacking the net, he was also beautifully passing the ball to his teammates. His 50-yard dribble towards the net was spectacular and memorable. Despite Tim Howard making a sensational save, Messi brought the crowd to their feet on his scoring attempt while serving notice to the United States National Team that at any point, he will make a dash for the goal if they're heavy-footed again.

One play that really defined his game-awareness was when he was pushing the ball towards the penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, he simply nutmegged U.S. Carlos Bocanegra to his teammate Angel di Maria. While Angel di Maria's shot was initially blocked by Tim Howard, it was Argentina's midfielder Esteban Cambiasso's well-placed rebound which gave Argentina the 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute in the first half. All of this was made possible thanks to Lionel Mesi's game-awareness.

While the current FIFA Player of the Year Lionel Messi lived up to his billing and exceeded expectations by playing the entire. Not only did he demonstrate why he's the best today, he inspired the fans to demonstrate their love and appreciation for him.

I will always remember how both the United States and Argentina fans chanted "Messi" while he was being tended to by his trainers. Those few seconds of the game will always be etched in my memory because they weren't chanting because he scored a goal. They were chanting because he was hurt and were concerned for him.

While Messi marveled everyone in attendance, it was New York Red Bulls forward who stole the show with his equalizer. While Tim Howard was unarguably the best player for the United States, it was Juan Agudelo's second half play that jump-started the U.S. offense. Coming in as a substitution in the second half, Agudelo played a role in reversing the United States style of play as he attacked the net while overpowering his defenders as he moved around with and without the ball.

Now I can go on and write about how Argentina out-shot the United States 14-6 while taking seven shots on goal to the United State's three shots. While neither team was called for offsides, the only thing that was surprising about the match was how the United States were issued four yellow cards while Argentina was issued none.

The reality is that last night's match was simply a game where there was nothing at stake. At the end of the game, everyone in attendance was entertained. Both teams shined and for the United States, tying the game was just as good as a win. All in all, this was a memorable game that many will enjoy talking about for years.

In my opinion, last night really demonstrated the importance of a relationship between a writer and a photographer. In today's TMZ, Facebook andTwitter world, people want to see photos. In the case of sports, a photograph can capture the mood of the game.

While I may write about the game, photographer Bill Menzel is my eyes. I enjoy telling him that we're the "Stockton & Malone" of Soccer Coverage. The reality is that every game I cover, I'm sitting down taking notes while Bill is all over the place taking photos with multiple cameras and lenses.

A typical routine between the two of us on game-day consist a pregame meal where we're breaking down the game. From angles of the pitch, to the fans in attendance, and the type of photos that should be taken... we discuss it all. Once the game begins, he's out in the field and I'm observing the game.

At halftime, we routinely discuss the first half and start planning by when I'm going to post my game recap.

The benefits of having a photographer as good as Bill is that we're in sync in the style of photos that we appreciate from a soccer match. If there's a specific photo I need, I can simply text him. Another huge advantage is the simple fact that while I may not remember every second of the game, a photo of his serves as an excellent visual aid and reminder.

Bill's photos has helped shape my articles because while I may have an idea of what I want to write, his photos time after time has given me an angle that I may have overlooked. Thanks to Bill, I can never be accused of stealing a copyrighted image.

When it's said and done, many photographers like Bill really work hard during a game and then there's the post-game work. While I have to work on a game recap, he has to review the photos and email them to me so I can have a complete article. Knowing the dedication and efforts he puts forth in his work, I always insist on editing and resizing his photos. It's the least thing I could do.

The only thing that's tragic about the Writer & Photographer relationship is that I'm unable to utilize most of Bill's photos. Personally, I feel it's an injustice to his craft because he truly understands soccer and the fans who follow the game.

While most will remember the United States-Argentina match as a fun game to watch, I will always remember it for the excellent photos that were taken by Bill Menzel. His photos really captured the game and he deserves credit for it.

While I'm not able to post every photo that he took, you the reader has the opportunity to really see how good he is. Bill... thank you again because you're the best photographer I've ever worked with and it's an honor.

To photos of the United States versus Argentina, please click on this link.

To see more photos of the United States versus Argentina, please click on this link.

To see more of Bill Menzel's photography, please go to this link.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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