God is with Argentina and wouldn't let us miss out: Messi

Argentina narrowly saw off Nigeria to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup, finishing second in Group D behind Croatia, with the usual suspect opening the scoring and expressing his joy after the full-time whistle.

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock, before Marcos Rojo's volley produced the win they needed.

"I knew that God was with us and that he wouldn't let us miss out," Messi said.

"We were confident that we would win this game.

"It's marvellous to have won it this way, it's a deserved joy."

The captain was also keen to acknowledge the support from fans in Saint Petersburg and back home.

"I thank everyone here, for their sacrifices, and for everyone in Argentina who has always been with us," he added.

"The shirt of the national team goes above all."

Argentina will now face France in the last 16.

Source: Marca