Messi gave Argentina the lead after three minutes, before Ahmed Musa equalised within 80 seconds with a beautiful long-range strike that found the far corner of the Nigerian goal.
The Barcelona forward restored Argentina’s advantage on first-half stoppage time, rocketing an unstoppable 25-yard free kick. There was nothing Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama could do but watch the ball fly straight into the net.
It was Musa again who levelled the game for Nigeria three minutes after half time; however, it was not enough to save the African team from overall defeat as Marcos Rojo nailed a third for Argentina, knocking in Messi’s cornerkick.
Argentina qualified for the round of 16 atop Group F with nine points, while Nigeria were also sent through as runners-up with four points after Bosnia ended Iran’s hopes for progressing with a 3-1 victory.
Nigeria will face France in the last 16 next Monday, while Argentina take on Switzerland a day later. France tied 0-0 with Ecuador to win Group E with seven points, followed by Switzerland who crushed Honduras 3-0 to take second with six points.
