Messi opens the scoring early, latching onto a chance in the centre of the box and firing a left‑footed shot high into the centre of the net for 1–0 Argentina.

Messi threads a precise through ball into the box for Gonzalo Higuaín, whose left‑footed effort from a tight angle flies just wide of the left post.

Driving forward in the attacking half, Messi beats his marker and is fouled, winning a dangerous free kick for Argentina.

Messi lays the ball off for Ángel Di María, who unleashes a left‑footed strike from outside the box that Enyeama saves low to his right.

Messi creates another chance, feeding Sergio Agüero on the right side of the box, but Agüero’s right‑footed shot is blocked by the defense.

From outside the box, Messi lets fly with a powerful left‑footed shot that Enyeama acrobatically tips away from the top right corner.

Just before halftime, Messi curls a stunning left‑footed free kick into the top right corner, restoring Argentina’s lead at 2–1.

Messi again carries the ball aggressively in the attacking half and is brought down, earning another attacking free kick just before the break.

Messi slips a sharp through ball to Gonzalo Higuaín on the left side of the box, but Higuaín’s right‑footed shot is saved low to the bottom right corner by Enyeama.

Messi times a run behind the defense but is caught offside just as Argentina tries to spring him through, halting a potential attack.

Messi drives at the Nigerian defense in the attacking half and is fouled, winning yet another free kick in a dangerous area.

Messi finds space in the centre of the box and strikes with his left foot, but his shot flashes just wide of the left post from a promising position.

Messi’s evening ends after 62 minutes as he is substituted, with Ricardo Álvarez coming on to replace him.