Associated Press

Utrecht, July 3:

Lionel Messi converted two penalties to lead Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final of the World Youth Championship and give his country a record fifth title. The double strike from the spot also turned the FC Barcelona midfielder into the top scorer in the U-20 competition with six goals. Argentina went ahead in the 40th minute when Messi coolly converted a penalty he had forced himself. The star playmaker was on a 40-yard run through the defence when Dele Adeleye floored him near the goalline. Nigeria equalised in the 53rd through Chinedu Ogbuke’s spectacular diving header on a right cross from Olubayo Adefemi.

The decider in the 72nd came after Monday James fouled substitute Sergio Aguero, and Messi chose the right corner to punch in the penalty. Defending champions and four-time winners Brazil beat Morocco 2-1 to claim third place in the three-week, 24-nation competition.