Messi expects more

Cape Town - Lionel Messi admits Argentina have not yet found their stride at the 2014 Soccer World Cup, but believes they will only get stronger as the tournament progresses.

The Barcelona superstar has led his country into the last-16 in Brazil, scoring in the 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week before netting the winner in the 1-0 victory against Iran on Saturday.

Those results have seen La Albiceleste qualify through to the first knock-out phase, although Messi admits they have not yet been at their best.

“We are not showing what we can do, but with a run of games I think we will get there," the 26-year-old forward said.

“We are the first ones to know we have not reached the level we would like."

Meanwhile,  Argentine boss Alejandro Sabella added: "They (Iran) made the game very difficult for us.

“Messi was marked very tightly, but he showed perseverance, patience, attitude and always looked for the goal. He never gave up.”

Argentina sit on top of Group  F and have the fate of Nigeria in their hands when the two clash on Wednesday.

The match kicks off at 6pm SA time.