KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lionel Messi dug deep in his repertoire to break Iran hearts with a well taken goal in time added on in their group E match Saturday.

Messi, with his team on the verge of a nil all embarrassment, curled a shot around the Iran defenders and into the far corner beyond the reach of Alireza Haghighi in goal.

Up until then Iran had thwarted everything the Argentines had to offer and responded with some scary moments for one of the top-seeded teams in the 2014 World Cup.

The best chance of the game prior to Messi’s goal fell to Iran when in the opening minutes of the second half a header from a quick break forced a previously idle Sergio Romero to parry from point blank range.

Moments later Iran demonstrated vigorously for what they insisted was a penalty after a player was dragged down inside the box.

Romiero midway the half was again called on to stop Iran going ahead when he tipped a ball on its way into goal over the crossbar from another Iran header.

Iran entered the game intent on defence and kept out Argentina despite their 73 per cent ball possession in the first half.