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

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 26: Diego Armando Maradona shows his support to Argentina prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 26: Diego Armando Maradona shows his support to Argentina prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Centre half: Marcos Rojo – 8/10

Wow. It might have been a low-key night for Rojo until the 86th minute, but he made his mark.

A superb finish for a centre back, Rojo swept home with ease and it is a goal that could go a long way in defining Argentina’s World Cup campaign.

He is the man the fans will worship, and for good reason.

Centre half: Nicolas Otamendi – 6.5/10

Looks a far less collected man without the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.

Flew in with some rash challenges, some of which were deemed fair, however always looks like he has a mistake in him. That won’t bode well against France.

Not a stand-out performer by any means, but Otamendi wasn’t punished for his erratic defending on this occasion.