World Cup 2014: Nigeria v Argentina – in pictures

Southern Brazil has been invaded by close to 100,000 Argentinians, who have been crossing the border in droves to watch their country’s match against Nigeria in Porto Alegre. Here are some of them heading to the stadium Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Lionel Messi is depicted as a Saint, alongside Diego Maradona Photograph: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

More of a homespun version, here, but still as effective: Messi the Redeemer Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Here's the man himself warming up. He's in the Argentina starting line-up which is unchanged Photograph: Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images

Nigeria have made one change – Victor Moses is replaced by striker Michael Babatunde Photograph: Jon Super/AP

In the third minute, Messi lashes home from close range to give Argentina the lead after Di maria's initial shot had rebounded back off the post Photograph: MARKO DJURICA/REUTERS

That's his third goal of this World Cup Photograph: Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

But Ahmed Musa draws Nigeria within sixty seconds during a swift breakaway move ... Photograph: MARKO DJURICA/REUTERS

That shot was a beautifully swept beyond the keeper Photograph: MOHAMED MESSARA/EPA

Nigeria's midfielder John Obi Mikel gets squashed Photograph: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

Sergio Aguero is forced off with an injury ten minutes before the break Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Just before the break, Messi, who has already had one free-kick brilliantly saved, whips another one over the wall ... Photograph: STEFANO RELLANDINI/REUTERS

... this time the keeper is outfoxed and Messi's shot finds the net! 2-1 to Argentina. Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Just two minutes into the second half, Musa bags his second goal of the match Photograph: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

He looks every bit as delighted as he did with the first one Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters

But once again in this match, the team who've just scored are undone within minutes - this time Argentina's Marcos Rojo nets to make it 3-2 Photograph: MARKO DJURICA/REUTERS

It's been a ding-dong clash thus far, but as things stand both sides have the luxury of knowing they will qualify for the knock-out stages as Bosnia are comfortably beating Iran in the group's other game Photograph: STEFANO RELLANDINI/REUTERS

Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama shares a laugh with Messi Photograph: MOHAMED MESSARA/EPA

Messi is substituted with just under half an hour remaining and the game rather fizzles out thereafter Photograph: Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

It's job done for both sides - handshakes and hugs all round Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images