XtraTime Web Desk: Argentine star forward Lionel Messi was seen in a jovial mood after helping his side to qualify for the pre-quarterfinals of the World Cup on Tuesday after they beat Nigeria in a thrilling encounter.
The Barcelona striker scored the opening goal for his side which they won 2-1 and the La Albiceleste finish second in their group after Croatia.
Messi spoke after the game and revealed his delight at qualifying and said his team didn’t deserve to go home yet.
“It was an amazing way to qualify,” he said. “We didn’t deserve to go out in the first round, so we’re all very happy.
”We knew we were going to win, but we hadn’t expected it to be as tough as it was.
”Our World Cup begins today. We had to win any way we could, and from today this needs to be a new World Cup for us.”
Argentina will play France in the last 16 with the two teams set to meet on Saturday at the Kazan Arena.