INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Lionel Messi had scored Argentina's first goal against Nigeria in the final group game © AFPLionel Messi, Argentina captain and Barcelona
legend, is adored by football fans all around the world
Argentina's hopes are riding on him and he has shouldered that responsibility well so far, albeit a few scares and hiccups in the ongoing
However, when Argentina faced Nigeria in a must-win group clash, Messi proved the doubters wrong and helped his team reach the Round of 16
Post-match, Messi revealed the secret that helped Argentina beat Nigeria
A news reporter had handed Messi his mother's lucky charm, saying that would bring the footballer good luck in the tournament going forward
The charm eventually bore fruit as Argentina edged Nigeria and Messi left the reporter in awe by telling him that he had actually taken the
ribbon and used it.Speaking to Argentine TV news program Telefe News, journalist Ramiro Pantorotto asked Messi what he did with the red
ribbon his mother sent him
Messi shocked him and showed him that he had it tied to his left ankle after which Pantorotto was left speechless.Argentina appeared to have
been heading for an early exit from the World Cup but Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo popped up with a brilliant volley to score the
winner in the 86th minute.Messi had put the 2014 World Cup runners-up in front early in the 14th minute
Nigeria got back to level terms after midfielder Javier Mascherano brought down a Nigeria player in the box that gave the African nation a
Victor Moses converted from the spot
However, Rojo's winning goal got Argentina's World Cup campaign back on track.Messi-led Argentina will take on France in the last 16 clash
on Saturday at the Kazan Arena.
