Lionel Messi scored an early goal against Nigeria on Tuesday to put Argentina ahead, before Marcos Rojo scored a late winner to see Argentina through to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
Argentina looked sharper on Tuesday compared to the previous two match-days. Captain Lionel Messi scored the opener early in the first half, cushioning the ball with his knees and blasting it into the net.
https://twitter.com/thezombielamb/status/1011674889621770241
Nigeria scored from the penalty spot after Argentina’s Javier Mascherano misplaced a pass leading to a swift Nigerian break and a foul inside the box.
Nigeria 1-1 Argentina – Victor Moses levels from the penalty spot for Nigeria #rtesoccer #worldcup #NGA #ARG pic.twitter.com/inqg6hQt2n
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 26, 2018
Fearing possible elimination from the World Cup group stages, Argentina consistently attacked the Nigerian defence until a cross from the left side fell in Marcos Rojo’s path who volleyed it into the back of the net.
Marcus Rojo Carrying Someone Who Carries #Argentina On His Shoulder. What A Perfect Slap On Haters Waiting For #ARG To Get Knocked Out. 💪🙏
Vamos Argentina🇦🇷#WorldCup2018. #NGAARG #ARGNGR #ArgentinaVsNigeria #WorldCup #Messi #LionelMessi #NGAvARG #ARGNIG #ArgentinaNigeria pic.twitter.com/Zu5XutESbI
— ΛMIƬ PΛПDΣY 👨💻 アミット 🇮🇳😷𝕏 (@amitp9201) June 26, 2018
Rojo’s late-winner also had Argentina legend and 1986 World Cup winner Diego Maradona dancing with a Nigerian fan.
https://twitter.com/IMTonyKenny/status/1011703236271792128
This kid could not believe what he just saw, neither could all of us.
https://twitter.com/RobMorton843/status/1011698010076712961
Argentina will now face France in the round of 16, while Portugal will face Uruguay, and if both Argentina and Portugal win their respective fixtures, we might get to see Argentina vs Portugal in the quarter-finals – in other words, Messi vs Ronaldo.
📅 Saturday 30th June:
3pm – 🇫🇷 France vs Argentina 🇦🇷
7pm – 🇺🇾 Uruguay vs Portugal 🇵🇹Can't Wait 😍 pic.twitter.com/bs0Ye0iyKe
— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) June 26, 2018