Lionel Messi is on fire in the World Cup

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s biggest name, is showing that he isn’t just a club player, but he is also a star on his national team too.

The South Americans defeated a scrappy Nigeria 3-2 on Wednesday in their final World Cup group stage match in the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre.

Messi was one of the most criticized players on the planet when wearing his national team uniform. The messages were always the same, “why can’t Messi play like he does on Barcelona?”

The Argentina number 10 now has 4 goals after 3 games, all wins. His play has the Gauchos in the second round.

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The South Americans struck first. The FC Barcelona star smashed home a rebound left in the box after an Angel Di Maria shot.

Argentina’s lead didn’t last very long. A minute later Nigerian attacker Ahmed Musa made a good run down the left side of the field. He cut in and curled the ball past Sergio Romero.

Both teams battled it out the remaining part of the first half. When it seemed like both teams would go into half time tied, Messi struck again.

In the 45th minute the four-time Ballon d’Or winner curled in a wonderful free kick.

The South Americans defense was a big question mark before the tournament started, and their play has not cleared up any doubts.

Just two minutes into the second half Musa struck again.

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The slug fest between both the squads got even better. Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo kneed home a corner to make it 3-2.

Argentina will need an unstoppable Messi to continue moving on in the tournament if their defense doesn’t improve their play.

The Gauchos will play their second round match on July 1 with a rival still to be determined.

Nigeria will play on June 30 against a yet-to-be-determined rival.