Two first half goals from Lionel Messi helped Argentina to a 3-2 win over Nigeria, while Bosnia signed off from the tournament with a 3-1 win over Iran.

Argentina were already assured of safe passage in to the final 16 from Group F having won both of their opening games. It took them only three minutes to take the lead against Nigeria, Messi smashing home after Di Maria had hit the post.

Few expected what was to happen next though as Nigeria levelled immediately, Ahmed Musa cutting in from the left and curling a lovely right footed effort in to the far corner. 1-1 with only four minutes played. The equaliser created World Cup history, the first time two opposing teams had both scored in the opening five minutes of a match.

It took Argentina until the final minute of the half before they regained the lead, Messi with a wonderful free-kick.

Quick-fire goals continued to be the running theme after the break, Nigeria levelling again just two minutes after the re-start, Musa creating more history as he became the first Nigeria player to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match.

Fans had barely had chance to draw breath though before momentum switched back to Argentina as Rojo smuggled home what turned out to be the winner. 3-2 on 50 minutes, and the scoring was done.

With Bosnia already eliminated, Iran knew they had to win to stand a chance of joining Argentina in the knock-out stage. However, they were resoundingly beaten by the Bosnians thanks to goals from Dzeko, Pjanic and Vrsajevic.

The results mean that Argentina finish the group stage as winners with a 100% record, while Nigeria’s impressive display against them may not have brought any points, but they do go through to the next round in second place.

Photo: Action Images

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