SAINT PETERSBURG, June 26 -- Lionel Messi's goal in the first half and Marcos Rojo's late goal helped Argentina progress to the World Cup knockout stage after a 2-1 victory against Nigeria at Saint Petersburg Stadium here on Tuesday.

As Croatia advanced as group winner after defeating Iceland 2-1 in the other Group D match, the Albiceleste finished second to secure a round of 16 clash against France.

With only one point after first two matches, Argentina were on the brink of an early exit from the World Cup before Tuesday's match. Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli made wholesale changes to their starting 11 comparing with the game against Croatia.

In the 14th minute, Argentines broke the deadlock, as Messi slammed a long-range passing from midfielder Ever Banega into the far corner of the net.

The Argentina captain almost doubled the lead when Angel Di Maria won a free kick in the attacking half for Argentina in the 32nd minute and Messi's left-footed shot hit the post.

Both sides didn't create a lot of chances during the rest of time in the first half.

Just five minutes into the second half, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after Javier Mascherano's foul inside the box.

Surrounded by the harsh catcalls from Argentina supporters, Victor Moses converted the penalty to the center of the net and helped Nigeria level the score.

After Nigeria's equalizer, Argentines launched fierce attacks but failing to find clear-cut chances as their opponents put up a strong defense.

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