PORTO ALEGRE, June 25, 2014 (AFP) – A double from Lionel Messi a day after his 27th birthday inspired Argentina to a 3-2 win over African champions Nigeria and assured them of finishing top of Group F at the World Cup finals on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s defeat — their fourth in four meetings at the finals against Argentina — came with the considerable consolation that they still progressed to the second round as Iran lost 3-1 to Bosnia-Hercegovina in the other group game.

Messi’s double — including a sublime freekick — and Marcus Rojo’s goal saw the Argentinians to the three points while Ahmed Musa scored a brace for the Nigerians.

Argentina — who have not won the trophy since 1986 — will play the runners-up of Group E next Tuesday while Nigeria play the group winners, who will probably be France

Result of World Cup Group F match between Nigeria and Argentina in Porto Alegre on Wednesday:

Nigeria 2 (Musa 4, 47) Argentina 3 (Messi 3, 45+1, Rojo 50)

Teams

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama – Efe Ambrose, Joseph Yobo (capt), Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa – Peter Odemwingie (Uche Nwofor 80), Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa, John Obi Mikel, Michael Babatunde (Michael Uchebo 65) – Emmanuel Emenike

Yellow cards: Kenneth Omeruo (49), Juwon Oshaniwa (51)

Argentina: Sergio Romero – Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fernandez, Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo – Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria – Sergio Aguero (Ezequiel Lavezzi 38), Lionel Messi (capt) (Ricardo Alvarez 63), Gonzalo Higuain (Lucas Biglia 90+1)

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)