Playing on his club's Nou Camp turf, Messi converted a penalty and Argentina's decisive fourth goal as Alfio Basile's side came back from 2-1 down at halftime.

Carlos Tevez put the Argentines in front in the opening minute with a penalty after fellow striker Diego Milito was brought down from behind, but any ideas they had of an easy match were soon dispelled.

Defensive mistakes, including goalkeeping errors by Roberto Abbondanzieri, allowed Algeria to equalise through Anthar Yahia after nine minutes and take the lead three minutes before the interval with a surprise shot from Majid Bougherra.

Argentina, held 1-1 by Switzerland in Basel on Saturday, came out all guns blazing for the second half and within 11 minutes of the restart were 3-2 up.

Messi, who hit the post in the 51st minute with a shot from outside the area, converted a 54th-minute penalty after being brought down by defender Mehdi Meniri.

Midfielder Esteban Cambiasso put Argentina in front when he shot home from Javier Zanetti's right cross two minutes later.

Messi made it 4-2 in the 73rd minute but the result hung in the balance to the end after Nadir Belhadj pulled one back for the Algerians.

REUTERS