Vedad Ibisevic would pull one back for the Dragons in the 84th minute, but his efforts would be futile. Argentina currently sit atop Group E with three points.

Follow Sports World News' Complete World Cup Coverage Here

Key Moment: Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella flirted with a 3-5-2 system for the entire first half, but to no avail. An own-goal—especially on a set piece—is far from the potency synonymous with the Albiceleste. Following halftime, Sabella reverted back to his qualifying tactics, switching to a 4-3-3. The impact was immediate. A more fluid and dangerous Argentina returned to the pitch. A more active Messi dropped further back to receive the ball. The team's efforts would be rewarded thanks to poetic combination and a clinical finish from its star player.

Man of the Match: There was a time last season where Messi was criticized for putting forth the same effort as his goalkeeper. That wasn't the case in the Maracana. The 26-year-old was active with his 97 touches, finishing with seven dribbles won and the eventual match-winner.

Lesson Learned: Go with what got you here. Sabella's decision to shift to a 3-5-2 nearly cost him. If it was good enough finish first in CONMEBOL qualifying, it's good enough to advance in the 2014 World Cup.

Up Next: Argentina travel to Belo Horizonte on June 21 to face Iran, while Bosnia-Herzegovina visits Cuiaba to meet with Nigeria.

Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).