Yet, Lionel Messi and, more surprisingly, Marcos Rojo scored the goals to keep La Albicelestre's World Cup hopes alive, sending them through to a last 16 encounter with France.

Victor Moses had equalised from the penalty spot following Messi's opener, while Nigeria's midfield trio of John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo provided energy and power throughout.

However, Rojo's winner eight minutes from time ultimately decided a gripping game in dramatic fashion.

Here are our player ratings.

Argentina

Franco Armani 5.5

Not a great deal to do on his first Argentina start. Went to ground early for the penalty.

Gabriel Mercado 6

Performed better than he did in a back three against Croatia but was still sloppy in possession at times. He provided an accurate cross for the winning goal.

Nicolas Otamendi 5

Made some stray passes early on and struggled to settle.

Marcos Rojo 7

His defending was occasionally last ditch and appeared desperate. Crucially, he scored the decisive winner with an assured finish to send Argentina through.

Nicolas Tagliafico 5.5

Made few forward runs from left-back despite his side dominating possession.

 

Javier Mascherano 4

Misplaced several passes and was overpowered by his youthful Nigerian counterparts. Gave away the penalty after grappling in the box.

Ever Banega 7.5

Provided the moments of quality Argentina were crying out for with some probing passes from midfield. Tackles were often late though.

Enzo Perez 5.5

Provided energy on the right flank without really threatening the Nigerian defence.  

Angel Di Maria 5.5

Closed players down but often received the ball with his back to goal. Was replaced in the second half.

Lionel Messi 8

Was instrumental in the first half, gliding past players and scoring a pivotal opener. Led by example.

Gonzalo Higuain 5

Missed a golden chance at 1-1. Struggled to hold the ball up with some heavy touches.

Subs

Cristian Pavon 6.5

Brought pace to the Argentina attack when he came on in the second half.

Maximiliano Meza 4.5

Touch was off when he came on for the final 20 minutes.

Sergio Aguero N/A

Came on for the final 10 minutes.

 

 

Francis Uzoho 7

The 19-year-old thwarted Higuain in the first half before making a stunning fingertip save to keep out Messi's free-kick.

Leon Balogun 6

Comfortable bringing the ball out from the back. 

William Troot-Ekong 6

Strong at the back, heading away the danger into Nigeria's penalty area.

Kenneth Omeruo 5.5

​Lost Messi for the opening goal and often found himself up against Argentina's talisman.

Brian Idowu 5.5

Was pinned back for most of the game on the flank. Cross for the winning goal came down his wing.

Victor Moses 6.5

Composed from the spot. Was the closest player to Rojo when the goal was scored.

John Obi Mikel 7.5

Shielded the back four and was calm on the ball. His experience showed. 

Wilfred Ndidi 7.5

Made several interceptions as Nigeria dominated the middle of the park.

Oghenekaro Etebo 7.5

Showed determination and power to continuously win the ball back and drive his side forward.

Ahmed Musa 6

Worked hard but lacked service and tired in the second half.

Kelechi Iheanacho 5

Hesitant when he received the ball in attacking positions and was replaced at half time.

Subs

Odion Ighalo 5

Didn't provide much of an outlet and missed a decent chance at 1-1.

Simeon Nwankwo N/A

Brought on in stoppage-time.

Alex Iwobi N/A

Brought on in stoppage-time.