Messi survives first round scare

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (AP):

Lionel Messi and Argentina finally got things going at the World Cup.

Messi scored an exquisite 14th-minute goal to give the two-time champions the lead in a must-win game against Nigeria on Tuesday, but it wasn't until Marcos Rojo's 86th-minute strike that Argentina was assured of a place in the round of 16 with a 2-1 victory.

Victor Moses scored from the penalty spot in the 51st minute for Nigeria, putting Argentina in danger of being eliminated without winning a match in Russia.

It took an unlikely goal by Rojo a centre back to save Argentina with a cushioned volley into the corner.

The win gave the Argentines second place in Group D and allowed the football-mad nation to forget about the 3-0 loss to Croatia last week that sparked days of soul-searching within the squad and back home.

Argentina will play France in the last 16 in Kazan on Saturday, keeping alive Messi's quest for a first world title. He might have retired from international soccer for a second time and for good this time if it wasn't for Rojo's goal.

Messi's teammates poured off the bench to celebrate with him after the final whistle, forming a circle around him. Messi exchanged a long hug with teammate Javier Mascherano, who clinched him tightly.

While Gonzalo Higuain cried nearby, Messi clinched his fist as he turned towards the Argentina fans.