Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Nigeria 3-2, avoiding a disastrous World Cup exit. Trailing 2-1 with minutes remaining, Argentina scored twice in stoppage time, including a controversial penalty, to snatch victory and secure their place in the knockout stages.
Match Summary
Nigeria took the lead in the 25th minute through a swift counter-attack, with Victor Osimhen finishing clinically. Argentina equalized before halftime when Lionel Messi converted a free-kick. In the second half, Nigeria regained the lead via a header from Samuel Chukwueze, leaving Argentina on the brink of elimination.
Dramatic Finish
In the 93rd minute, Argentina was awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a handball against Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong. Messi stepped up and scored the equalizer. Two minutes later, a shot from Angel Di Maria deflected off Troost-Ekong and into the net, giving Argentina an unlikely win.
According to the Guardian, the penalty decision was controversial, with Nigerian players protesting that the ball struck Troost-Ekong's shoulder. The win means Argentina advances to the quarterfinals, while Nigeria is eliminated.
