Argentina 1, Iran 0: Messi saves everyone, again

Argentina locked up a spot in the knockout round after Saturday’s 1-0 victory, but getting through Iran was not an easy feat. They needed Lionel Messi’s last-minute heroics to save them from a serious upset. It’s almost a little sad that the Iranians will leave this match without a single point.

GOAL! Lionel Messi (ARG), 90 min. (+1): Who else to break the deadlock? Nice try, Iran, but you can’t stop that.

The man of the match

Surprise! Messi saves Argentina again. Iran’s defence managed to contain him for much of this match, but it’s Messi we’re talking about. He now has two goals in two matches, and became the first Argentinean to score in injury time in World Cup history.

The Controversy

Iran was upset in the 55th minute, when it looked like they should have been awarded a penalty after Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta seemed to foul Ashkan Dejagah in the box.

It’s not exactly clear who is in the wrong here, but Dejagah was especially incensed after the call did not go his way, and became agitated with the referee.  

What did Argentina do to win the game?

Have Messi. Seriously, Argentina. You nearly ended up with one point in a scoreless draw with Iran, a country that struggles to fund their squad because of economic sanctions. There is no way they can continue in this tournament if Messi is the only one who does anything. 

Sergio Aguero was missing in action, and same with Gonzalo Higuaín. So, uh, Argentina's goal count is at two Messi goals, and an own goal from Bosnia's Marcos Rojo. Essentially, Rojo, who plays for a different team, is the second-leading scorer on Argentina.

To be fair, ‘keeper Sergio Ramero also kept them in this game, saving a Reza Ghoochannejhad header that looked deadly. Dejagah also came close in the 67th minute, but Ramos was there for that one too.

Argentina was really lucky — Iran’s defence was unrelenting, and they stayed compact so there was no easy way for their opponents to break through. Argentina had a few chances in the second half, but nothing could stick until Messi’s heroics in stoppage time.

The 1,000 Words

The Takeaway

Argentina is through to the knockout round with six points. At least Bosnia-Herzegovina got the hard part done first - they already played La Albiceleste and lost their opener - but if they beat Nigeria on Saturday and manage to draw or beat Iran, the second spot is theirs. However, it might be time to take Iran more seriously. Perhaps they are more of a threat in Group F than initially believed.

Argentina should use this time to make adjustments now they are safely in the last 16. Ahead of the game, there was talk on Friday of a rift between Messi and manager Alejandro Sabello because the Argentinian star made a point of criticizing the 5-3-2 system they used against Bosnia, adding that the 4-3-3 formation is what he prefers. Is everyone really on the same page? We will find out when they play Nigeria.

Stray Thoughts

Iranian captain Javad Nekounam didn’t even wait for the game to be over before asking Messi if they could swap shirts at the end. You have to get in there quickly for the coveted Messi shirt.

Diego Maradona claimed FIFA would not let him watch Argentina’s opening win over Bosnia-Herzegovina (which they deny), but he was at this match, and not in his hotel room. So fancy. 

The body isn't even cold yet, you guys.