101 Sports: Lionel Messi scored a superb goal as Argentina

Lionel Messi scored a superb aim as Argentina began their World Cup campaign with a win over World Cup debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Argentina went ahead when Messi's free-kick was put in to his own net by defender Sead Kolasinac.

Messi then played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, jinked past defenders and rifled in to make it 2-0.The objective lifted Argentina and, despite Vedad Ibisevic slotting in late on for Bosnia-Hercegovina, they held on.

All eyes were on Messi in the first game of the match at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio and, although the four-time World Player of the Year took time to get going, he announced his arrival in sparkling style along with his objective.

The strike was his second World Cup objective in nine games and provided the piece of mesmerising magic Messi managed in a game in which he and Argentina improved the longer it progressed.

The blue and white of Argentina fans was prominent at the spiritual home of fierce rivals and hosts Brazil, although they had to watch on as a disciplined Bosnia stifled their side for most of the first half. However, Argentina never looked like adding to the objective as they lacked pace & invention, while regularly giving the ball away.

Bosnia slowly settled in to the match & created sporadic chances, beginning with a Miralem Pjanic shot being punched away by keeper Sergio Romero.

Pjanic also opened up Argentina when he clipped a ball over the top of their defence, which Izet Hajrovic brought down only for Romero to quickly come out & save.

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano had a powerful low shot blocked away by Bosnia keeper Asmir Begovic before Bosnia again went close to equalising.