Argentina were crowned FIFA World Youth Champions for a record fifth time after overcoming Nigeria 2-1 in a tight final at the Galgenwaard stadiumin Utrecht on Saturday.

Two penalties in each half from the exceptional Lionel Messi proved enough to defeat a Nigerian side who, for long periods of the match, appeared to have the power, skill and desire to become the first African winners of the competition. For his sensational efforts, Messi picked up adidas Golden Shoe and adidas Golden Ballawards.

"I'm overjoyed to have won this title," said coach Francisco Ferraro. "It's a personal triumph and will bring great joy to our nation. Messi had a superb championship and deserves all the praise he receives."

Argentina and Nigeria were both without there defensive pillars Gustavo Cabral and Onyekachi Apam. They like, Albiceleste striker Neri Cardozo, were suspended for the final. In the absence of the Boca Juniors' player, Messi was playing a more central role in attack under the watchful gaze of Dele Adeleye.

Argentina launched fierce attacks in the first few minutes of the first half with a lightening Lionel Messi threatening their opponent's whole backline. The Albiceleste conducted a bread and butter short passing move up front in the 4th minute with Gustavo Oberman providing a wicked center missed by Messi only one step away inside the box.

The Argentine prodigy then made use of a cunning corner to dribbling past two defenders before sending a square pass, and midfielder Rodrigo Archubi fired a shot flying high.

Nigeria fought back with an in-form Isaac-Mikel-Taiwo trio, waltzing in the front to seek opportunities before a nervous Argentine defense. Taye Taiwo smashed two thundering shots to test goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, and Chinedu Ogbuke carved open the south American defense several times with his intelligent and constructive through passes in the center, which posed big pressure to their rivals.

Argentina were obviously not used to the West Africans' sharp offense, whose back and midfield seemed to be a total mess. However, the Albiceleste relied on more functional tactics, playing the counter-attack strategy patiently, and created some good chances by Messi as the half wore on.

Messi showed off his talents with a wonderful solo run on 38 minutes, dashing 50 meters from the midfield to round two defenders and finally earned a penalty after brought down by a defender inside the area. The Barcelona future star converted without problem to send his side ahead.

Put through by a neat flick from Promise Isaac, Owoeri had a fine chance to equalize seven minutes after the restart but his touch let him down and the chance went begging.

A minute later though Chinedu Ogbuke made no mistake. The striker stole a march on his marker and, 10 yards out, glanced Olubayo Adefemi's right-wing center into the bottom corner to spark thunderous applause on 53 minutes. The Flying Eagles' tails were up and after another superb flick from Isaac, David Abwo fired into the side netting.

Messi was not done either though. He skipped past Monday James and fired across goal with Zabaleta inches away from connecting. Two minutes later Isaac fired just wide as the crowd began an appreciate wave.

On top once more, Nigeria inexplicably conceded another penaltyto fall behind. Substitute Sergio Aguero was hauled down and Messicalmly stroked the ball into the bottom corner in the 74th minute to seal victory.

"The reason we lost was because of the two penalties we gave away," said Samson Siasia. "We have got to have better discipline... we lost our concentration. The Argentina players were not in a good position to score and weren't dangerous to us out there, so I don't know why they were brought down."

Siasia's boys had now lost their shape and were beginning to lose their composure. Aguero, through on goal, had his shot smothered, and four minutes later, 84, Adefemi miraculously cleared from between his own posts with Vankekin, not for the first time, charging off his line.

There was nothing left in the African tank and they sank to their knees at the final whistle as Argentina tasted more glory.

Editor: Donald