Lionel Messi and his Argentina team can still be in the World Cup after the group stage following Nigeria’s win. Here’s how.

Africa has had a series of poor performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament and Nigeria’s first game against Croatia fell in that bracket.

For the Super Eagles’ second game in Russia, the summary was everything nice and creative.

Nigeria started their game against Iceland on the back foot with a not so good display in the first half. In the second half, John Obi Mikel and his men were persistent, getting the ball in Iceland’s net twice.

Ahmed Musa brilliantly controlled a cross from Victor Moses to give Nigeria the lead before the same player swiftly moved in the box to get one past the goalkeeper again.

As it stands in Group D, Croatia has already qualified. Nigeria is in the second position with Iceland and Argentina in third and fourth position with a point each.

With Nigeria to play Argentina in the last group game, a win for Argentina and a defeat for Iceland in their game against Croatia means Messi and his side will progress.

A win for Argentina and a draw in the game between Iceland and Croatia also means Argentina will be in the Round of 16.

If Iceland wins their game against Croatia, Argentina will need a goal more in their winning margin against Nigeria to be able to be on the same goal difference with Iceland and beat them to the next round with more goals scored.

Whatever be the case, Argentina will need a win to have any chance of seeing ‘GOAT’ Messi in the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.