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Nigeria v Argentina Russia 2018 | Group stage Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Argentina were staring down the barrel. A draw with Iceland – in which Lionel Messi missed a penalty – started their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ campaign in lacklustre fashion. That was followed by a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Croatia, a result that sparked an in-camp mutiny and fuelled rumours that coach Jorge Sampaoli was to be sacked.
He remained in the hot seat for the do-or-die clash with Nigeria, in which Argentina needed to win and pray Croatia defeated Iceland. Messi, so often the source of Argentinian inspiration, had looked a shadow of his superhuman best and had gone 553 minutes without a World Cup goal. Then it happened.
Ever Banega picked the ball just inside the Argentina half and floated a pinpoint pass to the onrushing No10. Messi, without allowing the ball to bounce, controlled with his left thigh then burst away from Kenneth Omeruo with his left boot, before rifling home with his right to settle Argentina nerves.
Nigeria would level but Marcos Rojo's late volley ensured La Albiceleste squeaked through. Messi couldn't prevent a last-16 defeat to France, but his superb solo effort was later nominated for the Goal of the Tournament and the FIFA Puskás Award.
Sources: FIFA Official
