Messi, cheered by fans with his every touch, set up Gonzalo
Higuain for the opening goal after 24 minutes and it was from his mesmerizing
run and shot that Angel Di Maria doubled the lead two minutes later.
Nigeria pulled one back through substitute Chinedu Obasi
soon after the restart but an own goal from Elderson midway through the half
restored Argentina's two-goal cushion.
Messi entertained the Bangladesh fans right from kickoff and
the playmaker went close to breaking the deadlock on 15 minutes when his free
kick whistled inches past the post.
A strong Argentina side then went in front thanks to Messi's
astute chipped past that found an unmarked Higuain and he fired home.
Argentina's second soon after owed much to a brilliant
jinking run by Messi who beat three defenders before seeing his curling shot
saved by Dele Aiyegnuba. The keeper was powerless though from stopping Di Maria
tapping in the rebound.
Messi almost grabbed a third in first-half stoppage time but
this time was denied by a fine save by Dele.
Nigeria coach Samon Siasia sent on Obasi for the second half
and he made an immediate impact by netting from close range after a deflected
shot from John Obi Mikel fell to him.
Fellow substitute Ahmed Musa then fired wide but Argentina
grabbed a third goal on 65 minutes when Elderson put through his own net.
