Watch: Lionel Messi Scores His First Goal of 2018 World Cup Against Nigeria

Lionel Messi scored a massive goal for his nation, with Argentina playing for its World Cup life vs. Nigeria.

In order to advance out of the group stage at the World Cup, Argentina needs to defeat Nigeria and hope the team's goal differential is better than if Iceland beats Croatia.

Through the first two games of the World Cup, Argentina has not seen much production from its captain and most dangerous goal scorer: Lionel Messi. In matches against Iceland and Croatia, Messi missed all 12 of his shot attempts. Argentina managed just one goal in those first two matches.

On Tuesday though, Messi opened the scoring against Nigeria in the 14th minute thanks to a great pass from Ever Banega and a solid finish from his right foot.

The goal was the sixth of his World Cup career.

#MundialTelemundo ¡Golazo! de #Messi y #ARG ya lo gana sobre #NGA . Así lo narra 🎙 @AndresCantorGOL pic.twitter.com/U7qdX3We9C

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 26, 2018

Argentina went on to win the match 2-1 and advance out of the group stage thanks to an 86th minute goal from Marcos Rojo. It will play France in the Round of 16 Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.