Messi magic seals it for Argentina

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.

In another match, Switzerland came from behind to beat Ecuador 2-1. 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 football'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.

On 65 minutes, Messi electrified the 78800-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.

Bosnia's goal came from substitute Vedad Ibisevic, who slid his shot below the advancing Sergio Romero.

At Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio Stadium on Sunday, France made World Cup history by defeating Honduras 3-0 with the help of the first goal awarded in international football using computer generated 3-D technology. – AFP