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

Christian Pavon – 6.5/10

A livewire when he came off the bench in place of Enzo Perez on the hour mark.

Youthful Pavon had a similar hungry intent to Messi, and it showed as Argentina were spurred by his presence.

Darting runs and a burning endeavour made sure Pavon had a lasting impact, and he could certainly be in the starting eleven versus Les Bleus.

Maximiliano Meza – 6/10

Meza started on the sidelines for this one, having been in the lineup on two previous occasions.

Argentina didn’t miss him too much and his twenty minutes at the end were functional rather than spectacular.

Nonetheless a useful player, and one Jorge Sampaoli has at his disposal.

Sergio Aguero – Came on too late to rate

Aguero was finally hauled off the bench ten minutes from time, and joined in the celebrations when Marcos Rojo slammed home.

Always a joy to watch, but this time it wasn’t him at the thick of the late drama.

Next: Hector Bellerin joins Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in trend

Which players stood out for you?