It’s time to get down to business folks, the World Cup knock out stages are upon us.

After a wonderfully dramatic group stage, the men have been separated from the boys as we move into the do or die end of the tournament.

And what a way to start.

The round of 16 kicks off with an absolute humdinger of a tie with European giants France set to face South American heavyweights Argentina.

While both sides have been rather underwhelming so far in Russia, there is no doubting that as far as round of 16 clashes go, this has to be one of the biggest ever.

However, the fact that Argentina are partaking at all is a minor miracle.

Lionel Messi and co looked destined to join Germany in embarrassment corner when Nigeria equalised to leave Argentina teetering on the brink of an early exit.

Somehow, the Argentineans snuck through in the end but only after a lovely, last-gasp volley from Marcos Rojo sent fans, Diego Maradonna included, into raptures.

Captain Messi was at his inspirational best and it was his sumptuous first-half strike that set his side on their way.

The five-time Balon d’Or winner showed his class as he dragged his national team out of the doldrums and into the next round, claiming the man-of-the-match award in the process.

Di Maria describes Messi beautifully

Messi is seen as somewhat of a God in Argentina, and fans and teammates alike know that they may never see the like again.

Speaking ahead of their titanic clash with Les Bleus, Angel Di Maria was full of praise for his inspirational skipper.

The PSG man spoke on the first time he played with Messi in national colours at the 2008 Olympic games.

“That tournament gave me the opportunity to play with Leo Messi, the extraterrestrial, the genius. It was the most fun I’ve ever had playing football,

“All I had to do was run into space. I would start running, and the ball would arrive at my feet. Like magic.

“Leo’s eyes don’t work like your eyes and my eyes work. They look side to side, like a human.

“But he’s also able to see the world from above, like a bird. I don’t understand how it’s possible.”

Perhaps Di Maria has nailed it. After all, it wouldn’t be terribly surprising if Messi did prove to be from another planet.

International success is the one thing that still eludes the Barcelona forward though, and he will be desperate to claim World Cup glory at the Russian showpiece this year.

France better beware.