FINAL - Argentina 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1: Messi helps Argentina take World Cup opener

Lionel Messi's second-half goal proved to be the winner, helping Argentina narrowly beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in a tightly-contested match at the Maracana on Sunday.

At the time of Messi's first goal of the 2014 World Cup, it seemed as though it was just icing on the cake as it gave Argentina a 2-0 lead, but a late goal from Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Vedad Ibisevic turned Messi's strike into the game-winner and made the predominantly Argentine-supporting crowd sweat in the final minutes of the match before victory was secured.

The game got off to a shocking start for Bosnia and Herzegovina when they found themselves facing a deficit just three minutes into the match following defender Sead Kolasinac's own goal.

Frantic to get back into the match, the Dragons played with a frenzied pace and struggled to maintain control of ball, continuously losing possession to the Argentine midfielders and defenders.

Their best chance of the first half didn't come until Senad Lulic's well-placed header was steered away by Argentine keeper Sergio Romero five minutes before halftime.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella made two substitutions at halftime in an effort to inspire creativity in his sides attacking approach, bringing on forward Gonzalo Higuaín, and removed his fifth defender, Hugo Campagnaro, for midfielder Fernando Gago.

Higuain's inclusion appeared to be the most effective as his one-two connection with Messi helped create the second goal when the Argentine prodigy's cool finish found its way past a sprawling Asmir Begovic.

The game looked out of reach for Bosnia and Herzegovina until a beautiful through ball found its way past the Argentina defence and onto the foot of Ibisevic's who was able to tuck the ball between Romero's legs and into the net. 

The goal, Bosnia and Herzegovina's first ever at the World Cup, led to an increased effort to even the match, but Argentina ultimately proved to be too much for the debutants as they claimed the three points.

Argentina will face Iran next on June 21 in a match they should easily win, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will look for their first points against Nigeria on the same day.