Argentina player ratings vs Nigeria: Lionel Messi rises to ultimate occasion

Argentina squeezed their way into the top two of Group D in the most dramatic fashion.

By the finest of margins, La Albiceleste exorcised their demons from early group stage despondency, to paint a moment of magic the fans had dreamt of.

Marcos Rojo catapulted himself to national hero status with the definitive goal, however the spotlight was on Lionel Messi whose sparkling first half display answered critics in typical style.

Here is how he and the rest of the Argentina players rated on their night to savour.

Goalkeeper: Franco Armani – 7/10

Making an international debut, in a World Cup, at the age of 31 is a rarity for anyone.

That was the experience River Plate stopper Armani enjoyed in Saint Petersburg.

He came in for Willy Caballero whose catastrophic error against Croatia left Jorge Sampaoli with little choice but to drop him.

And the Argentina boss has a dilemma now, because Armani impressed.

There wasn’t much he could do about Nigeria’s penalty Victor Moses slotted away coolly, but Armani dealt with everything else respectably.

It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he kept his place for a tantalising clash with France.

Left full back: Nicolas Tagliafico – 6.5/10

Tried a few balls down the line early on that didn’t quite come off.

Formed part of a more solid-looking defensive lineup, which had far fewer shaky moments than on a terrible evening versus the Croatians.

A competent performance from the Ajax full back, who should be a starter in the knockouts.

Right full back: Gabriel Mercado – 7/10

Certainly helped shore things up defensively.

Looked a more composed, calm figure on the ball and was often an outlet down the same flank as the mesmerising Lionel Messi.

Nigeria’s spell of second half pressure was handled, in the most part, superbly by Mercado and he can be proud of his display.