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Fifa world cup 2014
Photos
Messi Magic Helps Argentina Edge Past Nigeria Top Group
FIFA World Cup 2014 Photos
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Messi 'Magic' Helps Argentina Edge Past Nigeria, Top Group
June 26, 2014 00:11
It was Lionel Messi at his very best as he scored 2 goals to take his team through to the next round. Nigeria too put up a good fight as they continuously kept up to Argentina's challenge.
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It was Lionel Messi at his very best as he scored 2 goals to take his team through to the next round. Nigeria too put up a good fight as they continuously kept up to Argentina's challenge.
For most fans though, Lionel Messi was the redeemer.(All images AP)
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The match started with Argentina fans rooting for their team to win big against Nigeria, but what happened next was unexpected as far as Argentine supporters were concerned.
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Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 4th minute of the match when he scored of a rebound out of the reach of Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
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Nigeria scored in the very next minute through Ahmed Musa.
This was the first time in World Cup's history that both teams in a match had scored within the first five minutes.
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Messi continuously kept the Nigerian defenders beaten for pace with his runs to the opposition penalty area
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Messi again scored at the dying minutes of the first half, giving his side a 2-1 lead at the break.
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Nigeria's Musa scored his second goal of the match and put his side on level terms in the 48th minute.
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The match swung like a pendulum as Marcos Rojo scored in the 51st minute to take Argentina into the lead again with the scoreline reading 3-2.
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With the win, Argentina secured first place in Group F, with the maximum 9 points and a 3-0 record.
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Messi received a standing ovation when was he was substituted in the 64th minute.
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"We played against a team that wanted to play," Messi said. "I think we saw a good Argentina. We need to continue on this path."
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