Argentine media savor 'savior' Messi

Argentine media showered acclaim on Lionel Messi after the forward's last-gasp goal against Iran secured the Albiceleste's place in the World Cup round of 16.

"The Flea nailed his shot from an angle to make it 1-0 and seal an undeserved victory against Iran," the Buenos Aires-based Clarin newspaper said.

La Nacion alluded to pictures on social media of Argentina's players posing alongside Messi post-match.

"The dressing room has fallen at the feet of Lionel Messi - the man with the magical left foot, the genius who made the trip to Belo Horizonte worthwhile for so many Argentina fans," the newspaper enthused.

It also said Messi had single-handedly saved the team from defeat.

"Argentina wandered down a prickly path before Messi appeared with a goal that provided salvation."

Sports news portal Ole detailed the degree of difficulty for Messi's goal.

"There were five seconds between the moment he received the ball and his strike," Ole said.

"He hit it with nine opponents in the area and without a passing option. He was given so little space but still managed to shine."

Press reports hailing Messi's winner were matched by an outpouring of praise from Argentina coach, Alejandro Sabella, and teammates.

"With Messi in the team, anything is possible," Sabella said. "Not even two goalkeepers would have stopped his goal today."

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who made three crucial second-half saves, said Argentina's players were indebted to Messi.

"Thankfully the little guy rubbed his magic lamp in the last minute and we won," Romero said.

Messi's Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano paid tribute to the star's ability to "change the match with a moment of skill".

International media also waxed lyrical about the four-time Ballon D'Or winner.

Spain's El Pais said Messi had benefited from Sabella's decision to mould the team around the 26-year-old.

"The mission of any Argentina manager is to find the right ecosystem for [Messi's} eminence," the newspaper said.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport said Messi's performance had lifted the collective mood of Argentinians.

"Argentina is enjoying his infinite talent," the newspaper said. "He makes a nation happy."

Argentina captain Lionel Messi shoots past Iran's Reza Ghoochannejhad to score the only goal in their Group F game at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. Adrian Dennis / Agence France-presse

(China Daily 06/23/2014 page24)