LONDON - Lionel Messi scored in time added on to give Argentina a barely deserved 1-0 win over a feisty Iran in their Group F encounter at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.
The heavily favoured South Americans were frustrated by some tenacious defending throughout. In the first half Messi was largely contained by Iran's defence though he did win a freekick outside the penalty area in the 31st minute which he fired over the bar.
He also floated in a freekick in the 36th which was headed just over by Ezequiel Garay.
The second half saw the Iranians almost snatch the tie on a number of occasions, and they also had a very good shout for a penalty turned down.
In the end though it was a typical Messi goal that secured Argentina their second win of the tournament, cutting in from the right and curling a left-foot shot just inside the far post. - Reuters