Disgraces lazy Mikel in 3-1 victory
A magical Lionel Messi relished his new role as the Argentina captain as he set up two fine goals to help beat Nigeria 3-1 in a friendly encounter in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka yesterday.

The Barcelona superstar, who has often failed to find top form for his country, set the pitch alight with his magnificent left foot, weaving through Nigeria’s defence at will to deafening cheers at a three-quarter full stadium.

Exorbitant ticket prices — a minimum $100 apiece — meant the game did not sell out, while thousands stayed outside the ground just to have a glimpse at Messi and Co.

The trickster set up the first goal with a deft chip that sent Gonzalo Higuain clear in the 25th minute. Angel di Maria tapped home the second two minutes later after Messi again ran through the gaping Nigerian defence before his shot was parried by the goalkeeper, the ball falling invitingly for di Maria. Mikel Obi looked lazy on the ball.

TRAILING MESSI......Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi beats Nige-ria’s Mikel Obi (r) and Joel Obi during yesterday’s friendly match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Argentina won 3-1. Photo: AFP

Messi easily dispossessed him and while dashing menacingly towards Nigeria’s goal area Mikel never gave him a chase. That was awful.

Nigeria were better in the second-half, especially after Mikel was changed. They later reduced the margin through an Obasi Chinedu goal on 46 minutes, but the Africans lost their way after conceding an own-goal following a Higuain attempt.

Messi came close to scoring twice in the first-half, sending the crowd to their feet as he dribbled past four Nigerian defenders before his left-footed shot to the far post was saved by the overstretched hands of Dele Aiyenugba. He again came close to scoring but his shot on the stroke of

half-time was saved by the busy Aiyenugba.It was new Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella’s second victory in as many matches. His team beat Venezuela 1-0 in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Friday.

Sabella replaced Sergio Batista as coach in the wake of Argentina’s disappointing performance at the Copa America on home soil in July. In June Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-1 in Abuja.

The 14-time Copa winners were knocked out on penalties in the quarter-finals by Uruguay, triggering a wave of criticism from home fans desperate to see their team break an 18-year title drought.

Argentina have a loyal following in South Asia thanks to Diego Maradona’s heroics in the 1986 World Cup.