Messi has to be Argentina's leader because he is the best, claims Mascherano
Posted Thursday, August 16, 2012 by Goal.com
Lionel Messi's Barcelona team-mate, Javier Mascherano, has labelled the 25-year-old as absolutely vital to any hopes of success with the Argentina national team, ahead of playing the Euro 2012 semi-finalists Germany.
Messi has been shortlisted among the top three candidates to win the Uefa Best Player in Europe award, and Mascherano is confident his countryman holds the key to inspiring their side to winning the 2014 World Cup.
"Inside us, we all think of Messi as our leader," the former Liverpool midfielder quipped to Argentine publication Clarin. "Who else could it be, but the best player in the world?"
"Coach Alejandro Sabella believes we are capable of inflicting more damage to our opponents, certainly greater than the amount we can suffer. We are capable of fielding four players who are very direct at any time, including [Angel] Di Maria.
"Given the selections available to Germany at the moment, however, they must be one of the best teams, certainly only behind Spain. The match will prove to be an important test."
The World Cup 2010 semi-finalists host Messi and co in Frankfurt at 19:45 CET.
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