Sensational strike from Messi rescues Argentina against Iran

Messi, and Argentina, had been disappointing throughout the game but this was forgotten in the 91st minute when the Barcelona striker curled a shot from 20 metres beyond keeper Alireza Haghighi.

Iran had defended bravely throughout the match and as the contest progressed they had looked the more likely to take victory against their stronger opponents.

But Sergio Romero saved from Reza Ghoochannejhad and Ashkan Dejagah either side of Dejagah having a strong penalty claim waved away to set the stage for Messi's moment of magic.

Messi had scarcely been involved until his last second intervention. He took a relatively harmless pass from the right flank, moved a stepaway from his marker and made the space required to send his shot arcing into the far corner of the net.

It broke the hearts of Iran who deserved better but are now on the verge of elimination from the World Cup with just one point from two games.

Argentina are searching for a first major title in 21 years and possessing one of the most formidable attacks at the World Cup had given them hope the drought could finally be ended.

But unless coach Alejandro Sabella can find a way to make that attack click, the 1993 Copa America could remain the most recent addition to the Argentine roll of honour.

The experimental 3-5-2 used to start the previous match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which was shakily won 2-1, was abandoned for a return to 4-3-3 in Belo Horizonte.

Di Maria supported a front line of Higuain, Aguero and Messi but even the fab four struggled to breach the well-drilled Iranian defence.

Despite dominating first half possession, Argentina found chances hard to come by through open play. Haghighi was alert to rush from his line and block at the feet of Higuain and the keeper did tipped away a curling shot from Aguero at the end of a lovely move.

Argentina had further opportunities from set pieces but neither Marcos Roja or Ezequiel Garay could direct their efforts on target.

It was 16 years to the day of their only World Cup victory, 2-1 over the United States at France 98, and Iran seemed inspired by history. While lacking the class of their opponents, their narrow and deep defensive shape was enough to stifle them.

Such was the discipline of Carlos Queiroz's team, even counterattacks seemed limited to a few intrepid players breaking into Argentine territory.

Though these carried little threat, it earned set pieces at the start and end of the half which were brilliantly whipped in by Dejagah but central defender Seyed Hosseini twice failed to test Romero when he should have done better.

After the break Argentina began with renewed urgency but when Aguero mistimed a near post header, it was Iran who gained courage and should have gone in front.

Ghoochannejhad sent a header straight at Romero in their first truly incisive attack but the second followed a minute later and was unceremoniously ended with Pablo Zabaleta scything down Dejagah in the box.

Iran had a let-off when Messi strode through the middle of the park only to side-foot wide from just outside the box on the hour mark.

The lively Dejagah then saw a diving header tipped over the bar by Romero who had strayed dangerously far from his line.

There was a dramatic finish as Haghighi made two late saves and Iran could have won as Ghoochannejhad broke behind Zabaleta only to fail when faced with Romero.

Messi had no such problem and Argentina could breathe a sigh of relief with their second narrow victory in as many games.