Argentina retain Olympic title

Argentina claimed back-to-back Olympic football titles as Angel Di Maria's second-half goal edged a tight final against Nigeria.

The 1-0 victory provided the South Americans with revenge for their defeat in the 1996 Atlanta final to the same opponents and it was Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi who did much to decide the contest.

Messi regularly teased and tormented the Nigerian backline and it was he who laid on the opportunity for Di Maria to settle the match on 58 minutes.

The Nigerians had made the brighter start of what proved a cagey first-half, Lokomotiv Moscow forward Peter Odemwingie with a couple of early efforts on goal.

Messi always looked dangerous on the ball and saw a penalty appeal turned down by Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai as he tumbled in the box under challenge from Chibuzor Okonkwo.

The best effort of the half came at its conclusion as Di Maria's low skidding shot was well turned behind by Nigerian keeper Ambruse Vanzekin.

Messi underlined his threat five minutes after the break as he skipped past a tackle and curled in a shot which Vanzekin again did well to parry.