Leave Lionel Messi in peace says Argentina coach

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabello says star player Lionel Messi needs to be left in peace and one should "talk to him as little as possible" as the South American giants get set to face Germany in a friendly here on Wednesday.

When asked whether the Barcelona icon had changed since being appointed captain by Sabello, he replied: "No, not at all. I see him as calm, content and happy. He needs to be left alone and to talk to him as little as possible because if he is happy and content, then that is the best thing for everyone".

Messi has been in imperious form at international level in recent matches and has scored eight goals in his last four outings, including a hat-trick during the 4-3 win over arch rivals Brazil.

Sabello has given little away in regards to his tactics for Wednesday's match but admits he will likely use two or three strikers in an attacking starting eleven.

"It depends on the overall context of the team and not just two or three players. We can play with two or three strikers but at Barcelona they use just one man up front while at Spain there was a debate whether (Fernando) Torres or (Cesc) Fabregas should play. In the end they played without an outright striker and finished champions of Europe".