At the 64th minute, Messi shot narrowly out of the left post.

Nigeria had a wonderful opportunity to make it even but Taya Taiwo's blast narrowly missed the target at the 70th minute.

Then at the 78th minute, Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins hammered from 25 meters away and forced a punch-away save from Argentine keeper Sergio Romero.

It was Maradona's first World Cup meeting with the Nigerians in 14 years. He won the last of his 91 caps against Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup. He subsequently failed a doping test and was sent home from the tournament.

Nigeria coach Lagerback said he was "proud of his players" but admitted he was "disappointed by the result".

The Swede said a lapse of concentration cost Nigeria dearly, referring to Argentina's goal.

"If you lose concentration, you will be punished. We were punished this time," he said.

Diego Maradona (L), the head coach of Argentina, reacts during a group B first round match against Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 12, 2010.

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