BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a superb goal in stoppage time to give Argentina a 1-0 victory over Iran on Saturday and secure his team’s place in the second round of the World Cup.
Iran had defended solidly throughout the game and also took the match to Argentina in the second half, creating several chances to win the Group F match and cause a tournament sensation.
But Iran were punished for those missed chances when Messi picked up the ball about 20 yards (metres) out and curled a shot into the left hand corner.
It was a moment of individual brilliance, and showed why Messi has been voted world player of the year no fewer than four times. Up until that point, he had been kept quiet by stoic Iran defending, while Argentina had at times been exposed to counterattacks.
Group F Standings
Wins
Losses
Draws
Goals For
Goals Against
Points
Argentina
2
0
0
3
1
6
Nigeria
0
0
1
0
0
1
Iran
0
1
1
0
1
1
Bosnia-Herzegovina
0
1
0
1
2
0
Standings and Results
Sunday, June 15 – Argentina 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 at Rio de Janeiro
Monday, June 16 – Iran 0, Nigeria 0 at Curitiba
Saturday, June 21 –Argentina 1, Iran 0
Saturday, June 21 – 6 pm.: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Nigeria at Cuiaba
Wednesday, June 25 – Noon: Argentina vs Nigeria at Porto Alegre
Wednesday June 25 – Noon: Bosni-Herzegovina vs Iran at Salvador
