Former Liverpool and Valencia boss Rafa Benitez can understand Lionel Messi struggling for Argentina.

The Barcelona star has failed to translate his club form to the international stage.

"The surroundings of Barcelona are very favourable to him, he's very comfortable there while Argentina put so many expectations on him. At Barcelona he feels trusted, he feels loved and he gets to play with less pressure. He is an exceptional player and an even more exciting future lies ahead," said Benitez.