- JUNE 25: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Nigeria and Argentina at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 25, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazi
– JUNE 25: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Nigeria and Argentina at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 25, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazi
Nigeria’s defeat — their fourth in four meetings at the finals against Argentina — came with the considerable consolation that they still progressed to the second round as Iran lost 3-1 to Bosnia-Hercegovina in the other group game.
Messi’s double — including a sublime freekick — and Marcus Rojo’s goal saw the Argentinians to the three points while Ahmed Musa scored a brace for the Nigerians.
Argentina — who have not won the trophy since 1986 — will play the runners-up of Group E next Tuesday while Nigeria play the group winners, who will probably be France.