Argentina unconvincing as Lionel Messi picks up century of caps

Argentina secured top spot in Group B with a 1-0 win over Jamaica - although Tata Martino’s side were far from convincing in victory.

Lionel Messi collected his 100th international cap, but this was hardly a performance to celebrate for the Albiceleste.

Gonzalo Higuain gave them the lead after just 11 minutes, but the Napoli forward was wasteful in front of goal - as were the rest of his team-mates as the tournament favourites struggled to kill off the contest.

Argentina dominated much of the match but passed up every chance that was afforded to them in front of goal, with Jamaica pressing hard for an equaliser in the closing stages of the match.

Ultimately, Martino’s side were forced to hold on for three points and a top place finish ahead of the quarter-finals.

11’ GOAL! Argentina 1 Jamaica 0: The tournament favourites have the lead. Di Maria found Higuain inside the penalty area, who turned and found the corner of the net with a low shot.

26’ HE COULDN'T HAVE COME ANY CLOSER! Hector misses his header and allows Higuain to lob the goalkeeper, who was miles off his line. But the shot bounces off the top of the bar.

36’ CLOSE TO A MESSI STUNNER! The ball is played out to the number 10 on the right side, who cuts inside on to his right foot before shooting. But his effort bounces past the far post.

38’ INTO THE SIDE NETTING! Hector gives the ball away about 25 yards out, with Higuain and Pastore linking up. The former has the shot at goal, but it's deflected into the side netting.

40’ CLEARED OFF THE LINE! A corner kick is cleared and Di Maria runs 60 yards all on his own. He doesn't face a single challenge before chipping over Miller. But the defender is back to clear.

44’ WHAT A SAVE FROM MILLER! Rojo's cross into the box falls at the feet of Di Maria 16 yards out. He smashes a shot towards goal, but the Jamaican keeper pushes it over his bar.

52’ OFF THE CROSSBAR! What a hit that was! Di Maria stands on the ball on the edge of the box then smashes a shot towards goal. It beats the keeper but thunders off the underside of the bar and away.

58’ SO CLOSE TO A MESSI CHIP! Hector makes a slide challenge to clear the ball when he didn't need to, with Messi presented with the ball 16 yards out. He tries to chip Miller, but the keeper is just tall enough.

68’ A SHOT ON GOAL FOR JAMAICA! Brown performs a nice turn to create some space for himself, and shoots towards the target from about 25 yards out. There was power in it, but Romero saves.

Argentina have won their group in six of their last seven major tournaments they have played. They failed to do so in the 2011 Copa America.

Lionel Messi (27 years 361 days old) has now surpassed van Hurtado as the youngest player to play 100 international matches in CONMEBOL history.

The Albiceleste have the best attacking ranks in this summer’s Copa America. It’s almost as if Martino has too many options to choose from, and the Argentina coach hasn’t yet found the formula that works for his team. This time he tried Higuain alongside Di Maria and Messi, and still their display looked disjointed. Martin needs to find a solution before the latter stages.

This night was Messi’s night - as he collected his 100th cap for Argentina - but the best player on the pitch on blue and white was undoubtedly Di Maria. Manchester United fans must have watched this performance with excitement, as the winger provided Argentina’s brightest attacking spark. He smashed the crossbar with an astonishing shot from distance and provided the assist for Higuain’s winning goal. He was fantastic, even if his team wasn’t.

Argentina - Romero 6, Zabaleta 7, Demichelis 5, Garay 5, Rojo 7, Mascherano 6, Pastore 7, Biglia 5, Messi 7, Di Maria 9, Higuain 5. Subs - Tevez 6, Lamela, Pereyra.

Jamaica - Miller 7, Mariappa 5, Hector 4, Morgan 5, Lawrence 5, Austin 6, McAnuff 6, McCleary 6, Watson 5, Laing 6, Brown 5. Subs - Dawkins 5, Taylor 5, Barnes.