FIFA World Cup 2014: Nigeria vs Argentina 43th Match in Pictures

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in another wonderful World Cup match on Wednesday but both teams advanced to the second round after Iran lost to Bosnia in the other Group F game.

In an explosive start, Messi lashed in a rebound after three minutes but Nigeria equalised a minute later thanks to a superb finish by Ahmed Musa, only for Messi to curl in a brilliant 20-metre free kick for his fourth of the tournament in first-half stoppage time.

Musa levelled again with a clever finish two minutes after the restart but Argentina, who were assured of qualification before kickoff, got a fortunate third eight minutes later when a corner bounced in off the knee of Marcos Rojo.

Argentina finished on nine points from their three wins and will play the Group E runners-up - probably Ecuador, Switzerland or Honduras

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi places the ball for a free-kick from which he scored during the Group F football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina's fan poses before the Group F football match between Nigeria and Argentina.

Nigeria's forward Ahmed Musa (R) celebrates his goal with defender Joseph Yobo.

Argentina's supporters cheer for their team.

Nigeria supporter prays during the 2014 FIFA World Cup football match Nigeria vs Argentina, in Lagos. Argentina won 3-2 over Nigeria but Nigeria's defeat, their fourth in four meetings at the finals against Argentina, came with the considerable consolation that they still progressed to the second round.

Aerial view showing Argentine supporters gathering outside Beira Rio stadium in Porto Alegre before Nigeria vs Argentina match.

Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella claps during match between Nigeria and Argentina.

Argentina's defender Ezequiel Garay (L) and Argentina's defender Marcos Rojo (R) challenge Nigeria's forward Peter Odemwingie for the ball.

Argentina's defender Marcos Rojo (L) scores as Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama looks on ball.

Marcos Rojo celebrates his goal, during a Group F football match between Nigeria and Argentina.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (3R) is embraced by Nigeria's midfielder John Obi Mikel (2L) after match.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal.

Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain (L) is challenged for the ball by Nigeria's defender Kenneth Omeruo.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates his second goal.

Lionel Messi shoots to score his second goal.

Argentina's midfielder Angel Di Maria (R) is challenged by Nigeria's defender Efe Ambrose for the ball.

Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano (L) and Nigeria's forward Michael Uchebo vie for the ball.

Argentina's supporters cheer for their team.

Nigeria's defender Joseph Yobo heads the ball.

Nigeria's forward Ahmed Musa celebrates scoring his second goal.

Nigeria's forward Peter Odemwingie (R) challenges Argentina's defender Federico Fernandez for the ball.

Nigeria's forward Peter Odemwingie gestures during match.

The wife of Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero looks on before match.

(AFP Photo)