Messi marvels in Argentine win

Lionel Messi lit up the World Cup again Wednesday to inspire Argentina to a 3-2 win over to top Group F in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Wednesday. Nigeria, dubbed as ‘Super Eagles’, advanced to the 2nd round for the 1st time since 1998 despite the loss after Bosnia defeated Iran 3-1 in Salvador. Argentina will now play Group E runners-up Switzerland in Sao Paulo next Tuesday while Nigeria meet France in Brasilia on Monday. Argentina captain Messi bagged his 3rd consecutive man-of-the-match award after scoring twice as the South American giants scored against the African side only three minutes into the kick-up. Despite a slow start to the tournament Argentina have gradually showed signs of rediscovering the attacking flair seen during their qualifying campaign. Messi, desperate for World Cup glory to cement his place in the pantheon of football’s greatest players, was again his team's saviour as he bagged his third and fourth goals of the tournament. The goals -- including one exquisite curling free-kick -- followed his match-winning strikes against Bosnia and Iran in earlier group games. Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi led the tributes to the diminutive Barcelona superstar after his side's defeat. ‘Messi is one heck of a player, he's blessed,’ Keshi said. ‘There are other calibre players in Argentina that are very strong, but Messi is from Jupiter.’ Messi expressed satisfaction that Argentina appear to be building a head of steam as the competition enters its decisive phase. ‘We hope to continue like this, I think today you saw a better Argentina,’ he said. /I'm happy at what we've done so far and to finish top of the group. A team like Nigeria play well, if you allow them space they can do you damage,’ according to AFP.