World Cup: Messi cleans up late on for Argentina

MILAN – It was a late, late winner for Argentina but it sends them through to the next round that’s all that matters. After being frustrated by a stubborn Iran outfit for 91 minutes, up popped that man Lionel Messi to curl home a brilliant matchwinner in stoppage time.

The result sees the Albiceleste take command at the top of Group F: their six-point haul also means they are already assured of a place in the last 16.

Palacio came off the bench in the 76th minute while Alvarez and Campagnaro were not used by coach Alejandro Sabella.