Lionel Messi, Marcos Rojo push Albiceleste to knockout stage. Argentina moves on to the round of 16 after beating Nigeria with an 87th-minute goal.

Argentina, a team that looked like it had no chance of moving on from the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is back from the dead after securing a late 2-1 win over Nigeria, combined with a Croatia win over Iceland.

It wasn’t a sharp showing from Argentina in a tournament where it has been very poor, but the team overcome a penalty kick equalizer from Nigeria to get a late winner from Marcos Rojo.

It all started with Messi, who silenced some critics with a gorgeous opener in the 14th minute:

LIONEL MESSI GETS THE OPENER!

What a ball by Banega, what a touch and finish by Messi. Argentina lead Nigeria 1-0. pic.twitter.com/ONbGOjKVkg

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2018

But a silly tackle by Javier Mascherano, who grabbed his attacker inside the box, resulted in a VAR-confirmed penalty kick. Victor Moses had no trouble with it:

Nigeria equalize!

The Super Eagles are awarded a penalty and Moses buries it to make it 1-1. pic.twitter.com/L2OtdqOqG2

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2018

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And then Argentina called in Cristian Pavon, Maxi Meza and Sergio Aguero off the bench for one final push. But it was Marcos Rojo, a defender, who got the winner with a lovely right-footed finish in the 87th minute:

MARCOS ROJO PUTS ARGENTINA AHEAD! pic.twitter.com/3yrzeq7hSu

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2018

It was a result they scarcely deserved after a poor second-half showing, epitomised by the Javier Mascherano error that allowed Victor Moses to equalise with a penalty.

But once their ragged defence had held on until the final whistle, the Argentina players embraced each other in the centre of the pitch, waving to their vociferous fans, a disjointed side united for now.

They will face Group C winners France in the last 16 in Kazan on Saturday, while Group D winners Croatia, who secured top spot by beating Iceland 2-1, play Denmark.

Absolutely stunning. Three points on the last matchday to put Argentina through to the knockout stage. A round of 16 matchup against France on Saturday is next for Jorge Sampaoli’s men. The loss sends Nigeria, and its amazing kits, home.

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