Argentina hold a 2-1 lead over Nigeria at the break in their lively World Cup encounter this evening.

It took Argentina just two minutes to open the scoring as Lionel Messi powered the ball into the net from close range after Angel di Maria's initial effort had come back off the post.

However, Nigeria got themselves level just one minute later when Ahmed Musa cut in from the left before curling the ball past Sergio Romero and into the far corner.

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The Argentines responded by creating two decent chances in quick succession, but Gonzalo Higuain fired wide on the angle after Di Maria's drive had been batted away by the goalkeeper.

Argentina continued to search for a second goal, and it almost came in fortunate circumstances on 19 minutes when John Obi Mikel headed narrowly wide of the post when trying to clear a free kick.

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Despite the presence of Messi and Sergio Aguero, Di Maria was Argentina's most dangerous threat during the first half, as demonstrated by two further efforts that had Nigeria worried.

A strong opening 45 minutes for the South Americans was soured towards the end when Aguero was taken off with a possible leg strain, but they were able to regain the lead in the first minute of stoppage time as Messi curled a free kick past the goalkeeper from 25 yards.