Argentina were easily the most disappointing storyline from the World Cup through their first two matches, but none of that matters after their performance against Nigeria on Tuesday.
With their backs against the wall, Argentina somehow got the best of Nigeria in a match they needed to win. The score was tied 1-1 late in the second half, and a draw would not have been enough for Lionel Messi and company to advance to the knockout stage. It was not Messi who played the role of hero, but rather Marcus Rojo with a beautiful goal to put Argentina ahead in the 87th minute.
MARCOS ROJO PUTS ARGENTINA AHEAD! pic.twitter.com/3yrzeq7hSu
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2018
Nigeria deserve plenty of credit for nearly shocking the world, but fans made it clear that they want to see more of Messi going forward in the World Cup. Rojo’s goal was only his third in international play, but it will be remembered for a very long time.
Marcos Rojo, out of everyone, has rescued Argentina! This is absolutely nuts. How can you not love football? How!? Tell me how!
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 26, 2018
ROJO THE UNLIKELY HERO pic.twitter.com/AF6RbHfrgr
— World Cup ⚽️ (@TrueSccrLife) June 26, 2018
Fed up of these Rojo vs Ronaldo comparisons. Can’t we just enjoy them both?!
— Doc Joshi 2 (@MediJoshi) June 26, 2018
Rojo saved Messi’s legacy
— Nabit (@Pogbalogy) June 26, 2018
Marcos rojo carrying his country to the Round of 16! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yohp8xSUK1
— FergieTime™️ (@SSIIIIUUUU) June 26, 2018
"If it's still close late, we pass to Rojo." pic.twitter.com/GoxOFVBbFz
— Jerrad Peters (@jerradpeters) June 26, 2018
Lionel Messi carried Argentina to the World Cup & then Marcus Rojo literally carried him into the last 16 of the World Cup.
— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) June 26, 2018
Messi scored a beautiful goal of his own in the match, but he’ll surely be glad to give Rojo all the glory. Argentina expected more from the man many consider the world’s best player, and Rojo has given Messi at least one more chance to deliver.
