The great Lionel Messi is continuing his onslaught at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, nudging himself into a tie with Brazil’s Neymar for the scoring lead. Messi’s two goals vs. Nigeria today in the first half, both beautiful strikes, have the Argentinians ahead 2-1 at halftime.
Messi’s first goal game at just 3’ when he snaked a left-footed strike between Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and the post to give Argentina a quick 1-0 lead. Nigeria responded with a goal of their own just one minute later off the foot of Ahmed Musa to tie things up.
Argentina’s offensive pressure is proving too much for Nigeria though, as they have more than doubled Nigeria’s total shot attempts (3) with their own shots on goal (7). Messi is leading that charge with three shots on goal of his own, including his second score at the 45 + 1’ mark on a free kick. He struck the ball perfectly and it curved majestically into the back of the net past a helpless Enyeama.
A win today for Argentina will give them nine points and a dominant victory in Group F with three wins. A win for Nigeria could keep them alive, as they’re competing with Iran for the second spot in the Round of 16. The way Messi is playing though, he seems intent on proving he, and not Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, is the greatest footballer in the world.
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