Lionel Messi was the best player on the pitch yet again as Argentina topped off a perfect group stage with a narrow win over Nigeria, who progress in second place in Group F.
Nigeria lined up with Chelsea men John Obi Mikel and Kenneth Omeruo from the start, while Victory Moses missed the final group game through injury.
A stunning first few minutes would be sparked by an emphatic finish by Lionel Messi, who arrived late in the box after great work by Di Maria to smash home a rebound and give his country the lead after just three minutes.
Stat: Following his goal, Messi had scored with every shot on target he has had so far in this World Cup (3)
However, the African side would come flying back in style. Just a minute later they were level after a stunning curling effort from Musa after cutting in onto his right foot inside the area. 1 a piece after a breathtaking first four minutes.
After the thrill of the opening first four minutes, the game calmed down somewhat. Nigeria were happy to camp in their half and not let Argentina gain space in dangerous positions. They would continue to use their pace in the forward line in order to launch counter attacks when the opportunity arose.
The following 40 minutes were quiet and it would be until the brink of half time before either team scored again. Of course, it was that man, Leo Messi, who gave Argentina their lead back with his best goal yet. After winning the freekick, he curled a stunning effort over the Nigerian wall and into the top right hand corner. Unlike a minute earlier from a similar position, Enyeama was unable to reach it and Argentina would go into the break a goal ahead.
Just two minutes after the restart, Musa would equal Messi’s tally for the day. Playing a one-two with Emenike on the left flank, Musa would burst into the area before cleverly disguising his shot and playing it in the near corner, leaving the wrong-footed Romero with little chance as he dived the opposite way.
However, this crazy game would take yet another twist just three minutes later as Argentina took the lead for the third time in the game. Lavezzi would play apart as he delivered the corner and found Garay, who’s effort was poor, but Rojo was in the right place at the right time to unknowingly send the ball bouncing into the Nigerian net. Two goals in five minutes leaves Argentina 3-2 to the good.
Messi had the chance to get his third and go top of the goalscoring tables as his effort following good work from other goalscorer Rojo went agonisingly wise of the post. He would be substituted off three minutes later knowing that he had done the business for the third game in a row for his country.
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta became the hero after he recovered after being beaten by Musa on the counter attack as he looked helpless to stop a third for him and Nigeria but he blocked the winger’s effort, keeping his side infront with 10 minutes left.
Argentina would hold on to the victory that saw them top the group, largely down to one man: Leo Messi. He has scored four of their six goals that have helped them top Group F including the stunning winner against Iran in their second game.
However, Nigeria would progress as Bosnia beat Iran in Group F’s remaining game.
Full Time in, arguably, game of the tournament: Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
