Speaking to journalists on his return following international duty for Argentina, Barcelona forward and Argentine international Lionel Messi (22) acknowledged that he was not at his best in the recent World Cup qualifying games against Peru and Uruguay, stating that:  “Many things have to change, we have to continue improving, growing as a team and prepare well for the World Cup. If we do things well we have a good chance because (we have) some very good players.”

Argentina finish fourth in their CONMEBOL group to qualify for the World Cup finals. They had beaten Peru 2-1  and Uruguay 1-0 in the final qualifying rounds on last gasp goals.

Spanish newspaper Marca meantime reported that Messi hoped the pressure on Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona would now ease up, quoting him as saying that: “There has been much talk and criticism of the team, of Diego, and we had to qualify. Beyond all that has been said, Argentina could not be out of the World Cup.”

Messi arrived in Barcelona on private plane arranged by the Catalan club and was given a day of rest in the hope that he would recover in time for Saturday’s match at the Mestalla.  Asked if he would be playing  against Valencia, Messi reportedly said: “It depends on the coach, but I am here to play.”