Messi's stoppage time screamer breaks Iran hearts

For 90 minutes Iran kept Argentina and Lionel Messi out.

During those 90 minutes Carlos Queiroz's side didn't just keep them out either, they came close to breaking the deadlock themselves.

The South Americans might have racked up over 20 shots on goal, but the Iranians themselves contributed eight - with goalkeeper Sergio Romero keeping Argentina level on more than one occasion - and had one very valid penalty claim.

However with an historic point almost secured, who else but Messi could pop up to dash Iran's dreams in stoppage time.

Collecting the goal 30 yards out, the Barcelona forward took a pace forward and hopped inside before unleashing a stunning effort which curled into the top corner.

Messi had several shots prior to this one, but this was the only one that mattered.

The Barca man has now scored in both matches at this World Cup and the stadium in Belo Horizonte turned into an Argentine fiesta when his goal struck the back of the net.

Could this be Leo's World Cup?

Match facts

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria (Biglia 90); Messi; Higuain (Palacio 77), Aguero (Lavezzi 77).

Goal: Messi 90.

Iran: A.Haghighi; Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeqi, Pooladi; Teymourian, Nekounam; Shojaei (Heydari 77), Hajsafi (R.Haghighi 88), Dejagah (Jahanbakhsh 85); Ghoochanneijhad.

Booked: Nekounam, Shojaei.

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia).