You can't contain the best-......................Bangladesh

LOOK WHAT I'VE DONE TO THEM: Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain celebrates his first of two goals as Nigeria defender Okonkwo Chibuzo sits and laments during their international friendly at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

As if it needed any restating, Lionel Messi's electric performance yesterday proved once again that he is the best player in the world. The newly installed Argentina captain produced a magical performance at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday to guide the Albicestes to a comfortable 3-1 win over Nigeria in their FIFA international friendly.

Whenever the little magician had the ball at his feet there was a sparkle in the match and an anticipation that something was about to happen. Messi scored none of the three goals that Argentina scored last night, yet he was in the heart of every move that Albicelste made.

And both the coaches at the post-match press conference conceded the fact that Lionel Messi was the best player in the world.

“Is there any doubt, really?” said a smiling Samon Siasia when asked if Messi was the difference between the sides.“It was impossible to contain Messi. Everything goes around him. We tried to contain him, but you know he is the best player in the world and it's impossible,” he said.

The Nigerian thanked the fans but captain John Obi Mikel pointed out with an ironic smile that they were indeed slightly partisan.

But the coach was quick to point the positives: “Since we came here, everything has been wonderful. We liked the support, the people and the atmosphere.”For his part Alejandro Sabella was quick to restate that this had been no revenge.He admitted that he had tried a different formation, playing today with three center-backs to counter the fast forwards of Nigeria.

“Also I played today different players in midfield, faster players who could link better with Messi and the forwards.”

But in the end, it was all about the peerless Barcelona forward and Sabella quickly brushed aside questions about him not scoring.“No matter if Messi scores or not, as long as he's playing well everyone is happy,” said Sabella.

He admitted that his Argentina team was still at a very nascent stage and that he was happy to have two wins from two in the South Asian tour.“There is no reform, it is just a new era. As you know, there is a lot of pressure and demand from fans in Argentina. So winning the first two games was very important for me.”

Sabella also professed himself happy with the facilities and the pitch and said that before the game he had spoken to the players collectively.“[I told them]t hey must play for themselves, for their families, and for the people of Bangladesh as well. It was our duty to play well and give the people a good game.”