RIO DE JANEIRO: Lionel Messi scored a sparkling individual goal and created another as Argentina overcame a faltering performance to open their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Bosnia on Sunday.
The Barcelona superstar produced a trademark moment of magic on a night that also saw France beat Honduras 3-0, with the help of the first goal decided by goal-line technology. Switzerland came back to beat Ecuador 2-1.
Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the group F World Cup football match between Argentina and Bosnia. -AP Photo/Felipe Dana
Hordes of Argentina fans helped transform Rio's famous Maracana Stadium into a corner of Buenos Aires as the South American giants eased past their Group F rivals.
Messi, hoping to secure his status as one of footall's greats by shining at this World Cup, had a largely quiet game by his high standards.
But the diminutive striker provided the two decisive moments of the match for Argentina's goals.
Messi's teasing free-kick caused panic in the Bosnian defence after only two minutes and eight seconds, when the ball came off Sead Kolasinac's legs and went into his own net, the fastest own goal in World Cup history.
Argentine players celebrate as Bosnia's Sead Kolasinac (5) looks back after scoring an own goal during the group F World Cup football match between Argentina and Bosnia. -AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
On 65 minutes Messi electrified the 78,800-capacity stadium with a moment of magic, jinking towards the area and unleashing a low shot which flew past Asmir Begovic in the Bosnian goal.
The only blemish for Argentina was a late goal from Bosnian substitute Vedad Ibisevic, who slid his shot below the advancing Sergio Romero. - AFP
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