One moment of authentic genius was enough here in Belo Horizonte to defeat 19-minutes with extraordinary courage, effort and organization. Iran, the country whose socks reportedly shrank in the wash and whose preparations were largely derailed by political sanctions, had contained and even threatened to beat the most extravagantly gifted attacking team in the tournament. It had been a truly heroic performance; but then, just as for official no but all Arthur lifted his board to signal five minutes of added time. The ball fell to Lionel Messi. Argentina's captain and its tallageman had been in the gate didn't till late moment, butt with a quick shift to his feet, he created a yard of space in front of a tiring Iran defense. It was all that was needed with his deadly subsequent finish show, almost inevitable even from outside the penalty area.

Twenty-eight years to the day since his Hand-of-God goal against England, Diego Maradona had actually just left the Istabia Miner Row when Messi scored, but will have been relieved to learn that Argentine Row now safely qualified for the last 16. I was very happy with the strike. Then I heard people scream and smiling, and it was wonderful, said Messi.

Tehran had been poised to erupt in spontaneous street parties for what would have been the best result in Iran's entire history. But, instead, at a biding memory, was one family in the stadium, were literally wailing in the stress of such a cruel defeat.

Earlier, despite completing the fewest parties, 114, in any World Cup match for 50 years, Iran had actually created the best chances of the game. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero was Argentina's best player and the subsequent brilliance of Messi will not completely camouflage another unconvincing performance. We know we are not playing as well as expected but I think quil rechaio potential, said Messi.

The team's formation has become a seal of major controversy with Manager Alejandro Sabella even asked before the match if his authority has been questioned after Messi openly admitted that he preferred to play in a 4-3-3 formation. Sabella was adamant that the discussion about tactics had all been constructive but, aside from his goal, Messi has rarely looked so ineffective.