A magical Lionel Messi relished his new role as the Argentina captain as he set up two fine goals to help beat Nigeria 3-1 in a friendly encounter in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Tuesday.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said on Monday that the key to his team's success was to ensure that superstar Lionel Messi, widely seen as the world's best player, enjoys his football.

Led by superstar Lionel Messi, the Argentine national soccer team arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning ahead of their international friendly match against Nigeria.

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi on Sunday bid adieu to his countless football fans as Argentina held their last practice session in the city before leaving for Bangladesh on Monday.

Lionel Messi ended his five-day Kolkata sojourn on Sunday, mesmerising a thousand-odd crowd who sneaked in during Argentina's 'close door' practice session at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here.

Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella on Wednesday, rated football magician Lionel Messi as a better soccer player than former English player David Beckham.

Lionel Messi marked his first game as Argentina captain with a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly encounter played before thousands of delirious fans in the Indian city of Kolkata on Friday.

Star footballer Lionel Messi's magic failed to garner a packed Yuba Bharati Krirangan, an usual sight during a Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal local derby, but it did bring in a galaxy of celebrities and dignitaries from all over India.

It is a proud moment for a Jalandhar based football maker whose ball is used for the first ever FIFA friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela at Kolkata on Friday.

How many Lionel Messis were present at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday when Argentina took on Venezuela? Hundreds.