Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has praised the "decisive" Lionel Messi and believes that "anything is possible" with the Barcelona ace.

Messi fired Sabella's side into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 91st-minute winner to spare his nation's blushes against a dogged Iran outfit in Belo Horizonte this evening.

"It was a tough game," he told reporters. "Iran defended well with many people and waited for us but had their chances.

"Then, in the second half, we had complications with their counter-attacks. They are a strong and well worked team.

"But Messi was very strong. He persevered and with him, anything is possible. He is a decisive player."

Argentina conclude their Group F campaign by facing Nigeria on Wednesday.