Argentina vs Nigeria, FIFA World Cup 2018: Argentina Beat Nigeria to Seal Round-of-16 Spot

It's all over here, Argentina get together and are celebrating. Nigeria are down on the ground, Messi dares to dream for another day but Argentina will have to really pull up their socks if they are to progress any further in this tournament.

Meanwhile, news from elsewhere is that Croatia have scored and are now 2-1 up. Perisic getting the goal there

GOAL! Big goal here and Argentina score! Marcos Rojo of all people with a striker like finish here, great ball in from the flanks from Mercado and Rojo with a stunning finish, Argentina lead 2-1 here and just 4 minutes of normal time remain

Higuain with a superb chance but his shot goes blazing over the bar. That was a chance which should have been converted, Argentina might well live to regret this

Nigeria almost seal the deal here, Ogholo should have scored but he hits it wide. The ref also checks for the VAR for a handball by Rojo but he decides against it, you have to say that's the right decision, the ball did strike the arm but it wasn't in an unnatural position. Argentina just about survive, 13 minutes left here and it is still 1-1

Ndidi with a shot from outside and its a thunderous strike which goes just over the crossbar, meanwhile Di Maria, who was having an absolute howler is replaced by Meza. 

Maschareno with a deep bruise on his cheek here and he is bleeding, Argentina heads also starting to drop here..They just seem to have given up here and really need some inspiration

As expected, Argentina having most of the ball here and Nigeria falling back. Messi also getting deeper as he tries to be more influential in the game. 26 minutes left in St. Petersburg and it is still 1-1 

Argentina are certainly not looking the same as they were in the first half, Pavon is coming on here for Perez. Messi also not getting on the ball as much as he did in the first half

Penalty to Nigeria here! and its really out of nothing, Maschareno is booked for getting his hands all over Balogun from the corner kick. Moses takes the penalty and calmly puts it into the back of the net, sending the keeper the wrong way! Big goal for Nigeria here and we are level at 1-1!

Second half starts and Nigeria with a substitution at half-time, striker Kelechi Iheanacho is replaced by Odion Ighalo.

That's the half-time whistle here then and it is 1-0 to Argentina, thanks to Lionel Messi. The half really belonged to the team from South America, who have been dominant right from the word go. Nigeria will be looking for a better performance in the second half.

Etebo with a shot for Nigeria which goes for a throw in, summing up Nigeria's half, Argentina though still not assured at the back here. They would have also liked another goal.

40 minutes gone here and its still 1-0 to Argentina, Nigeria really need a plan B here, they haven't troubled Argentina or their debutant goalkeeper Franco Armani so far

POST! Messi with a stunning free-kick but he is denied there by the post! Really unlucky on that occassion, the keeper got his fingertips on that one and that saved the ball from going into the net. 35 mins gone here and it is 1-0 to Argentina.

Controversy here, Angel Di Maria is on his bike and almost through to the keeper but Nigerian defender tackles him from behind. Ref gives a yellow card even as Argentina hopes its a red, but nonetheless its a free kick from 20 yards out here

63% possession for Argentina as compared to 37% for Nigeria, been all one way traffic so far and Nigeria need to find a way to comeback into this one. Messi almost puts Higuain through there but Nigeria's goalkeeper comes ahead and shows great bravery to get a touch..he is also hurt in the process there

Nigeria have just not turned up here, they have stitched together a couple of passes but lacking quality in the final third. With Argentina, you feel a mistake is always there in the backline. Maschareno already with a couple of strayed passes. Still a lot left you have to say in this game

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Goal 100 of the 2018 FIFA #WorldCup is scored by Leo Messi! #NGAARG 0-1 pic.twitter.com/SyoFDSqqeN

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018

Messi has done it! Who else but him Maradona is proud as well. Ever Banega with a sensational from the deep, Messi takes it down with a sensational first touch and then fires it in the back of the net. The Argentina bench erupts and they lead 1-0!

Argentina dominating the early proceedings, they have more than 70% of the possession and Nigeria more than happy to hold back at the moment, they are looking to play on the counter here

Ahmed Musa with the first shot for Nigeria after Tangelidco comes close for Argentina, both though didn't trouble the keeper.

Messi with his trademark run from the left,  goes past a couple of players before Obi Mikel got his leg in there.First of the many challenges you expect Messi to get tonight!

Good start by Argentina here, they look to be playing with a 4-4-2 here, with Higuain and Messi up front at the moment..Nigeria not really getting many touches on the ball

So, the national anthems are done and both teams look absolutely pumped. Argentina are also starting with their oldest ever starting line-up in a World Cup! They will need all that experience here..we are just minutes away from kick-off now!

Both teams are on the field now, lining up for the national anthems. All eyes on Lionel Messi, who certainly seems to have a smile on his face today. Can he be the man once again for Argentina?

Diego Maradona is again watching from the stands and as we write this he is waving a huge Maradona banner from the balcony!

The pressure will certainly be on Lionel Messi and Co, however they have beaten Nigeria in the previous four meetings at World Cup, and they will be looking to continue with the same record here. Nigeria will be looking up to Mikel and Musa - both players with Premier League experience to deliver for them and guide them through to the Round of 16!

Welcome to Saint Petersburg!

Excited for #NGAARG? Here's where you can watch the game 👉 https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018

It seems that Sampaoli is playing a 4-3-3 today, with Di Maria and Higuain up front to support Lionel Messi. Ever Banega, Perez and Maschareno will be the midfielders, with Rojo,Otamendi pairing at the back, supported by Mercado and Tagliafico