Absolute Messi magic. The Barcelona trickster looks to have the ball stuck to his feet as he tries to dance his way through a crowd of Belgium players. They can't handle him and he is hacked down on the edge of the area. Free-kick to Argentina in a dangerous position...

Belgium are momentarily down to 10 men with Kevin De Bruyne receiving treatment following a challenge. No danger for his team-mates though, with Argentina patiently passing the ball around in their own half.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"Losing Angel Di Maria is a huge, huge blow for Argentina. It is disappointing to see him go off as you like to see the best attacking players on the field."

Ben Smith in Brasilia
BBC Sport

Image source, Epa

"'Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Neymar, Neymar' rings around Estadio Nacional - Brazilian fans on their feet."

Richard, Radley: Angel Di Maria was playing as though he had a point to prove. Already involved in what could be the first of many goals.

Mitchell Crowther: Belgium could be in trouble now after conceding that early goal. It would take a brave man to bet against Lionel Messi scoring in this game. More goals to come for Argentina, 3-0.

This is not good for Argentina, not good at all. Angel Di Maria, who has been on fire in this game, is struggling after hurting his thigh following that earlier shot and he is laid out on the pitch. He can't continue and on comes Enzo Perez for his first appearance of the tournament. How will that affect Argentina's early rhythm?

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Devlin:, external Marouane Fellaini has adopted his classic Manchester United posture in this one: awkward, clumsy and confused.

Rastamadeus FC:, external Time for Eden Hazard to show he's as good as the media and Chelsea fans say he is. Been next to useless at the World Cup so far.

Scott James Cooper:, external It looks like Argentina have decided to give Belgium the ball and break on the counter. Very interesting.

Tweet #bbcworldcup,, external post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page,, external Google+ page, external or text (UK only) 81111.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't know why Marouane Fellaini is in the Belgium team - he is everywhere the ball has already been.

"Argentina's Lionel Messi is also fortunate not to have been booked already as he has made three late challenges."

Image source, Getty Images

It took a while for Lionel Messi to make himself known against Switzerland but he is very much involved in everything Argentina do at the moment. He plays a superb, raking pass to Angel Di Maria deep in Belgium's half and he tries to outdo Vincent Kompany. The Belgium captain reads Di Maria's play superbly to block the shot on the edge of the area.

The high-tempo start to this game continues as Sergio Romero palms away a stinging effort from Kevin De Bruyne, Divock Origi just can't quite get his foot on the loose ball and Argentina swiftly clear to an unmarked Lionel Messi. He runs at goal but Vincent Kompany steams in before a foul is given Argentina's way.

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella just came out of his dugout - he was not happy at a long goal-kick from his keeper Sergio Romero. He wants him to play it short so the team can build from the back."

Angel Di Maria is evidently brimming with confidence after his dramatic late winner against Switzerland in the last 16 and he pulls off a cheeky flick that bamboozles Vincent Kompany. However, no Argentina player is on the same wavelength as the Real Madrid man and the ball runs through to Thibaut Courtois.

Before kick-off we asked you to vote on who you thought would win this match. Thousands of you did exactly that. The result? A 50-50 split!

A tight match ahead then, perhaps.

Eden Hazard tries to wriggle his way through the Argentina defence but goes down far too easily after brushing past Jose Basanta. Referee Nicola Rizzoli is having none of it and play goes on, much to Hazard's frustration.

Argentina's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria are looking very tasty indeed going forward in these early stages and the three almost combine to effect with a sweeping attack, but Di Maria was just unable to find Messi with a pass outside the area.

At the other end, Vincent Kompany heads over from a Belgium corner. Pretty open affair at the moment.

Nathan Price:, external What a finish by Gonzalo Higuain! Instinctive. This game could explode as both teams are extremely talented.

Peter McMillan:, external Lucky deflection let Argentina in but Belgium gave away possession at the start of the move.

Chris Gilbert:, external This is looking already like it will be a very open game. Both sides looking to attack. Exciting stuff for the neutral!

Gary Lineker
BBC Sport

"Wonderfully instinctive finish from Gonzalo Higuain. Glad he's finally decided to take part in this World Cup."

Robbie Savage
BBC Radio 5 live

"Belgium have to come out now and have a go and that will leave gaps for Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. The way it is set up it could be one of the best games of the World Cup."

No-one wants a patient game of cat and mouse at this stage and that early goal has certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons. Belgium have to respond and Kevin De Bruyne lunges forward, but his drive from distance fizzes wide of goal.