Messi combines with Fernando Gago and fires a left‑footed shot from outside the box that is saved in the centre of the goal.

After receiving the ball from Gonzalo Higuaín, Messi unleashes a left‑footed shot from the left side of the box that is saved centrally by the keeper.

Messi threads a perfect through ball into the box for Gonzalo Higuaín, who finishes with a right‑footed shot to the bottom right corner to open the scoring.

Messi tries an ambitious left‑footed effort from more than 35 yards, but his long‑range shot is blocked before it can trouble the goalkeeper.

Messi meets a cross from Marcos Rojo in the centre of the box and sends a left‑footed shot just over the bar.

Messi calmly converts a penalty with a precise left‑footed strike into the top right corner to put Argentina 2–0 ahead before halftime.

Messi breaks into the six‑yard box and shoots right‑footed from a tight angle, but his effort is saved low at the bottom right corner after a pass from Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Messi slips a through ball towards Gonzalo Higuaín, but the move is cut short as Higuaín is flagged offside before he can finish.

Messi delivers another incisive through ball into the box, allowing Gonzalo Higuaín to score with a right‑footed shot to the bottom left corner for Argentina’s third goal.

Messi sets up Éver Banega outside the box, and Banega’s left‑footed shot is saved in the centre of the goal.