Argentina have got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start after a stunning strike from Lionel Messi helped them secure a 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The South American side were below-par against an industrious Bosnian outfit, but Messi's goal proved pivotal as his team took a big step towards qualifying for the second round.

Below, Sports Mole assesses how each player performed for both sides during the match at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

ARGENTINA

Goal

Sergio Romero: The Monaco goalkeeper hasn't featured on a regular basis for his club, but this was a solid display from the 27-year-old. However, he will be disappointed not to have kept out Vedad Ibisevic's effort late in the game. (7/10)

Defence

Pablo Zabaleta: Nice and steady from the Manchester City man, who was forced to put in a determined display to nullify Bosnia's effect on the left flank. (7/10)

Hugo Campagnaro: The 33-year-old made little impact during the first half before he was replaced at the break as Alejandro Sabella opted for a change in formation. (6/10)

Ezequiel Garay: The Benfica centre-back is regarded as his team's most effective defender and he was forced to lead from the front to prevent Bosnia finding an equaliser at various stages in the match. (7/10)

Federico Fernandez: The 25-year-old performed solidly during the opening 45 minutes, but his level dropped during the second half when Sabella switched to a back four. Made a couple of rash challenges and was fortunate to avoid a yellow card. (6/10)

Marcos Rojo: The Sporting Lisbon-full back is one of the fastest players in the Argentina side, and his energy down the left flank was required on several occasions. Booked in the first half for a late challenge. (7/10)

Midfield

Javier Mascherano: The Barcelona man did his job effectively, while also getting a threatening attempt on goal during the first half. Argentina will need him to perform throughout the tournament if they are to have a chance of lifting the trophy. (7/10)

Maxi Rodriguez: The 33-year-old was given the nod in the centre of midfield, but he was sacrificed at the break after an ineffectual showing. The former Liverpool man is likely to start from the bench in the next game. (5/10)

Angel di Maria: Along with Messi, the Real Madrid playmaker was instrumental in his team getting off to a winning start. Played a role in a number of attacks created during the second half. (7/10)

Attack

Lionel Messi: The multiple world player of the year winner offered little during the first half, but he responded in the second with a glorious finish from 20 yards. Looked more threatening operating alongside two strikers rather than just one. (8/10)

Sergio Aguero: Despite one powerful run late in the game, it was a disappointing evening for the 26-year-old, who looked as though he was trying too hard in the final third. (6/10)

Substitutes

Fernando Gago: The former Real Madrid midfielder was introduced at the break to form one third of a midfield three, and he played a role in helping Mascherano in front of the back four. (6/10)

Gonzalo Higuain: Like with Aguero, the attacker was below his best after being introduced as a second-half substitute, but he is likely to earn a start against Iran. (6/10)

Lucas Biglia: Never had any time to make an impact after being introduced in the closing stages. (5/10)

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Goal

Asmir Begovic: The highly-rated Stoke City stopper looked confident and assured on his World Cup debut. Had little chance with either goal. (7/10)

Defence

Mensur Mujdza: Coped well with the attacking options offered by Argentina. Will be disappointed not to have added a threat further up the pitch. (7/10)

Emir Spahic: The skipper is a key figure in the heart of Bosnia's defence, but he couldn't do much to prevent either goal. Booked for a mistimed tackle on Aguero. (7/10)

Sead Kolasinac: Will be remembered for the own goal that he scored in the early stages, but the 20-year-old recovered well to ensure that his team were always in the game. (6/10)

Ermin Bicakcic: Performed admirably after a bad clash of heads during the first half in what was just his ninth appearance for Bosnia. (7/10)

Midfield

Muhamed Besic: Got through his work effectively and didn't looked overawed by the occasion. Will be keen for a repeat performance on Saturday. (7/10)

Izet Hajrovic: Lively performance from the Galatasaray man, who almost netted an immediate equaliser early on in the match. Can become a star performer for Bosnia in years to come. (7/10)

Miralem Pjanic: Provided a calming influence in the middle of the pitch, and his experience undoubtedly helps his teammates in the big games. The Roma midfielder is key to his side's chances of making the second round. (7/10)

Zvjezdan Misimovic: The vice-captain never came close to netting his 26th goal for his country, but Bosnia rely on his creativity in attack, and like a number of his teammates, he could shine against lesser opposition. (6/10)

Senad Lulic: Provided an assist from Ibisevic's goal and was a constant threat. Will be a key figure during his team's next two matches. (7/10)

Attack

Edin Dzeko: Despite being regarded as his team's talisman, Dzeko struggled to have an impact. Curled his one effort over the crossbar during the first half. (6/10)

Substitutes

Vedad Ibisevic: The Stuttgart man was introduced with 20 minutes remaining and he wasted little time in scoring his side's first ever goal at a World Cup finals. Pushing for a start against Nigeria. (7/10)

Edin Visca: Replaced Hajrovic for the final quarter of the match, but he couldn't replicate his teammate's display. (6/10)

Haris Medunjanin: The Gaziantepspor man is capable of a goal from midfield, but he made little impact after entering the action with 16 minutes left on the clock. (6/10)

Written by
Darren Plant