PORTO ALEGRE: A double from Lionel Messi a day after his 27th birthday inspired Argentina to a 3-2 win over African champions Nigeria and assured them of finishing top of Group F at the World Cup on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s defeat — their fourth in four meetings at the finals against Argentina — came with the considerable consolation that they still progressed to the second round as Iran lost 3-1 to Bosnia in the other group game.

Argentina, who are to face either Switzerland or Ecuador in the second round, began to turn on the style after low key wins over Bosnia and Iran.

Nigeria, who will be appearing in the second round for the first time since 1998, are likely to face France on Monday.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2014