Argentina have kicked off their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dour 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Rio de Janeiro tonight.
The well-supported Argentine side got the job done against a stubborn Bosnian outfit who did well to suffocate the dangerous attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero.
However, it would be Messi's fabulous second-half goal that would prove the difference as Alejandro Sabella's side saw off Safet Susic's brave Dragons who gave absolutely everything in their first ever World Cup outing.
Argentina were on the scoreboard early much to the delight of the plethora of fans who packed out the famous Estadio do Maracana. The goal was a slight anti-climax as an unsuspecting Sead Kolasinac diverted Lionel Messi's free-kick into his own net but that did not halt rapturous celebrations from the Argentine crowd.
It took a little while for Argentina to really find their feet after the early opener but when they did, it was in fine fashion, when Messi produced a stunning goal in the 65th minute.
The Barcelona star played a neat one-two with half-time substitute Gonzalo Higuain before advancing past a couple of Bosnian defenders, sidestepping Ermin Bicakcic, and firing beyond Asmir Begovic and in off the post from the edge of the area.
Just as it looked it might be a comfortable win for Argentina, second-half Bosnian substitute Vedad Ibisevic got on the end of a lovely through ball from Senad Lulic before pulling it back between the legs of Sergio Romero. The ball slowly trickled over the line, much to the delight of the Bosnian fans who were now in full voice.
It set up a tense final few minutes for La Albiceleste but they were able to hold on for the win which puts them temporarily at the top of Group F prior to the clash between Nigeria and Iran on Monday.
Bosnia weren't without their own chances and could have been level at the break but for Sergio Romero who came up with a world class save to deny Lulic's header from a corner.
Bosnia started the second half brightly and had the first chance but Romero comfortably saved Izet Hajrovic's free-kick before the Galatasaray man again tested the Argentine number one with a curling shot.
But it was the magic of Messi, who was largely unsighted earlier in the night, which broke the backs of a determined Bosnia who can be extremely proud of their efforts in their World Cup debut.
Argentina will now prepare themselves for the clash with Iran in Belo Horizonte on June 21 while Bosnia will look to bounce back when they meet Nigeria in Cuiaba on the same day.
2014 FIFA World Cup - Group F
Argentina: 2 (Sead Kolasinac (og) 3', Lionel Messi 65') Bosnia-Herzegovina: 1 (Vedad Ibisevic 85')
Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro - 74,738
Yellow cards:ARG - Marcos Rojo 25' BIH - Emir Spahic 63'
