Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has become the first Argentinian footballer in history to win two Olympic gold medals.

Javier Mascherano helped the Albiceleste beat Nigeria 1-0 in this morning's Olympic final in Beijing‘s Bird‘s Nest Stadium, the winning goal for the South Americans being scored by Angel Di Maria in the 58th minute.

And in doing so, Mascherano made history, because four years ago in Athens, the defensive midfielder was also in the Argentina side that defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Olympic final. That means he is the first Argentine ever to win Olympic gold twice.

The Liverpool star, now 24, was selected in Argentina’s squad for Beijing by national team manager Sergio Batista as one of three allocated over-age players.

Mascherano is now expected back on Merseyside in the next few days, as stated on the Liverpool FC website, and he will be joined by Brazilian Lucas, who earned a bronze Olympic medal after Brazil beat Belgium 3-0 in the third place play-off.