Argentina finds themselves in a must-win situation against Nigeria Tuesday in both teams final game of the group stage.
Argentina, the 2014 FIFA World Cup runner-up, has yet to claim a win in the 2018 World Cup. Adding to the pressure star striker Lionel Messi has yet to score in this year’s cup after being the tournament MVP four years ago.
It has been the complete opposite for Nigeria who are currently second in Group D with three points, just three behind group leader Croatia. With a win over Argentina Nigeria will secure their place in the round of sixteen.
When asked about Messi, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr says, “We are not here to watch him play. We’re here to get a result. We are professionals and we have to defend the colours of Nigeria. In football, there is no mercy, no pity. Everybody wants to win.”
A loss against Nigeria would mark the first time Argentina has missed the round of sixteen since the World Cup in 2002.
