World Cup roundup

• Lionel Messi and Argentina finally got things going at the World Cup.

Messi scored an exquisite 14th-minute goal to give the two-time champions the lead in a must-win game against Nigeria on June 26 in St. Petersburg, Russia, but it wasn’t until Marcos Rojo’s 86th-minute strike that Argentina was assured of a place in the round of 16 with a 2-1 victory.

Victor Moses scored from the penalty spot in the 51st minute for Nigeria, putting Argentina in danger of being eliminated without winning a match in Russia.

It took an unlikely goal by Rojo — a center back — to save Argentina with a cushioned volley into the corner.

The win gave the Argentines second place in Group D and allowed the soccer-mad nation to forget about the 3-0 loss to Croatia last week that sparked days of soul-searching within the squad and back home.

Argentina will play France in the last 16 in Kazan on June 30, keeping alive Messi’s quest for a first world title. He might have retired from international soccer for a second time — and for good this time — if it wasn’t for Rojo’s goal.

Messi’s teammates poured off the bench to celebrate with him after the final whistle, forming a circle around him. Messi exchanged a long hug with teammate Javier Mascherano, who clinched him tightly.

• France and Denmark produced the World Cup’s first 0-0 draw at the 37th

attempt amid boos and whistles from fans in Moscow.

The slow-paced game was out of step with a vibrant tournament. But it advanced both teams to the round of 16 unbeaten, with the bonus of no players suspended and no serious injuries. France will now play Argentina, and Denmark faces Croatia.

The draw would always have ensured that outcome, and became inevitable in the second half. Events elsewhere in Group C made this game all but irrelevant.

• Already-eliminated Peru ended Australia’s hopes of advancing to the knockout round at the World Cup with a 2-0 victory in Sochia, Russia. The Australians had to beat Peru and hope Denmark lost to France in the other Group C match, but neither result happened. France and Denmark drew 0-0 in Moscow. Andre Carrillo’s 18th-minute goal a halfvolley from inside the area was Peru’s first in a World Cup since 1982, the last time the South Americans played in the tournament.

• Croatia ended Iceland’s chances at the World Cup and helped out Argentina at the same time. Ivan Perisic capitalized on a defensive error to score a 90th-minute winner, giving Croatia a 2-1 win over Iceland and first place in Group D in Rostovon-Don. Iceland could have finished second in the group with a victory because Argentina beat Nigeria, 2-1, at the same time. Instead, the Croats will face Denmark on July 1 in Nizhny Novgorod and Argentina will take on France on June 30 in Kazan.