Argentina Barcelona have better supporting cast

Argentina players continue to shun reporters

Where would Argentina be without Messi?

In the view of retired Argentine footballer Ricardo Bochini, the reason Lionel Messi has enjoyed less success with his country than with his club is that he has had better teammates and coaches at the Camp Nou.

Pointing to players such as Neymar, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba, the World Cup winner lamented the lack of support Messi receives with the Albiceleste.

"For Messi, there is something which is not helping him and that's the coaches of Argentina," Bochini told his former teammate Jorge Valdano on beIN Sports' 'El Club' programme.

"He is alone up front, waiting for the ball.

"He doesn't have anybody to open up the pitch.

"He is well assisted [at Barcelona] and poorly assisted [at Argentina]

"There is no other reason [for the difference in performances]."

Reflecting on where Argentina would be without the No.10, Bochini questioned whether the team would be able to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

As it stands, Argentina are in fifth place in the South American table and on course to earn a play-off berth.