Gary Lineker says Diego Maradona is in danger of becoming a 'laughing stock' after his unsavoury celebrations threatened to overshadow Argentina's win over Nigeria.

The former Argentina captain was in the stands in Saint Petersburg with his country needing a win to stand any chance of avoiding a humiliating first-round exit.

But Argentina looked to be heading out with the game locked at 1-1 but Marcos Rojo's 88th-minute volley was enough to send the South Americans through at Nigeria's expense.

As the camera panned Maradona's spot in the stands the 57-year-old was captured swearing at supporters below using his middle finger.

"Maradona is in danger of becoming a laughing stock, I'm afraid," said Lineker during post-game analysis.