Lionel Messi scored a superb goal to give Argentina a 2-1 win over World Cup newcomers Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 26-year-old's brilliant run and finish lit up the contest after Argentina had struggled to impose themselves in the first half despite taking an early lead through Sead Kolasinac's own goal. Messi's goal in the 65th minute, however, to secure three points in their Group F opener, was just sublime, even though Bosnia rallied late on with substitute Vedad Ibisevic sealing his own place in the history books by scoring his country's first ever World Cup goal.
'God is Maradona, the Pope is Francisco, Messi is the King' said one banner in the Maracana, and it is fitting that the return of the World Cup to this famous stadium after a 64-year absence will be remembered by a goal worthy of any of that holy trinity from Argentina's captain. Picking up the ball with Bosnia players blocking his path, Messi played a one-two with substitute Gonzalo Higuain and then embarked on one of those trademark runs across the area, leaving defenders flailing in his wake before slotting a low shot in off the post.
