Marcos Rojo was Argentina’s unlikely hero as his stunning late winner secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria that kept Lionel Messi’s side in the World Cup.

The Super Eagles were heading through to the last 16 at Argentina’s expense with four minutes in the final Group D game, but Rojo’s sensational low volley saved Jorge Sampaoli’s men and set up a showdown with France in the next round.

Messi gave Argentina the lead in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the Barcelona superstar scoring a stunner to bring up the 100th goal of Russia 2018.

But when Javier Mascherano dragged down Leon Balogun in the box shortly after the restart, after a VAR review, Victor Moses stepped up to roll Nigeria level and within touching distance of progressing.

Argentina survived another VAR incident when Rojo headed the ball onto his arm, the referee, however, decided to stick with his original decision and not award a penalty.

Sampaoli sent on attackers Cristian Pavon, Maximiliano Meza and Sergio Aguero, but it was defender Rojo who came up with a quite brilliant winner.

The right-wing cross from another defender, Gabriel Mercado, was perfectly placed for Rojo to arrive late and slam home an unstoppable finish that extends Argentina’s stay at the World Cup.

In other Group D results:

Croatia finished top of Group D after defeating Iceland 2-1 in their final group stage match at Rostov Arena.