Argentina prepared for their much published international friendly clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria with a 1-0 win over hosts Russia at the newly revamped Luiznicki Stadium in Moscow.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scored a late goal to give Jorge Sampaoli’s team victory in a match that saw star player and team captain Lionel Messi play the entire duration of the game. The Barcelona superstar is expected to sit out the game with Nigeria on Tuesday.

In the pick of the other friendly games, immediate past world champions Spain showed why they would be massive favourites to win the tournament in Russia after they produced a five-star performance against Costa Rica at home.

The 5-0 victory was courtesy goals from David Silva (2), Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Alvaro Morita.

International Friendly Games (Saturday):

Malawi 1-1 Lesotho

Comoros 1-1 Madagascar

Russia 0-1 Argentina

Namibia 3-1 Zimbabwe

Qatar 0-1 Czech Republic

Macedonia 2-0 Norway

Spain 5-0 Costa Rica

Dominican Republic 1-0 Nicaragua

Trinidad and Tobago 2-2 Grenada