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BRONNITSY. — Lionel Messi and Argentina hit the training ground on Saturday with renewed hope of qualifying for the Soccer World Cup last 16. Argentina were on the brink of elimination after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Croatia, but Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Iceland on Friday offered the two-time world champions a lifeline.

Victory over Nigeria in their final Group D match in Saint Petersburg tomorrow would send Argentina through as runners-up if group leaders Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland.

And Messi has given an emotional insight into his World Cup obsession after admitting he couldn’t bear to retire from football without winning it.

Argentina’s dreams of glory are hanging perilously in the balance following a draw against Iceland and a miserable 3-0 defeat against Croatia in their first two matches.

Now they face Nigeria in St Petersburg tomorrow needing victory to reach the last 16 (although even that will not be 100 per cent certain if Iceland beat Croatia by a bigger score the same day). — AFP.