Argentina have to beat Nigeria to qualify for the next round.
Pride and dreams on the line for both Argentina and Nigeria (Photo: AFP)
On Tuesday, Argentina will take on Nigeria in a do-or-die match, as all eyes will be on Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi. So far, Messi has failed miserably in the tournament but can he finally show up on the big stage?
Argentina fans will be hoping for Messi to perform the way he did in the last World Cup. Messi is yet to register a goal or assist in this tournament and tonight, he has to lead his side to keep Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive.
Argentina Coach Jorge Sampaoli has so far been criticised for his tactics and reportedly had a fallout with a few players. He is expected to make at least five changes after Argentina’s dismal performance against Croatia.
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Argentina lost 0-3 to Croatia in their last match and drew 1-1 with Iceland, registering only one point so far. They sit at the bottom of their group and have to win against Nigeria to have any chance of qualifying for the next round.
Nigeria, on the other hand, lost their first match but bounced back strongly to beat Iceland 2-0 in their next match. They just need a draw to secure their qualification to the next round.
Iceland will also take on Croatia at the same time, both Argentina and Nigeria will be hoping for a draw or loss for Iceland. Group C has lived up to the expectations and has turned out to be the tightest group.
With the stage all set for Messi to show his magic, will we finally see the best of Leo Messi in this year’s World cup or will this be his last ever World Cup match?
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