New Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino admits he's thrilled to take the job.

Martino discussed the job on Argentina's TN.

"This is an amazing job which brings up many sensations, but one that also carries a great responsibility. This exceeds anything I've done before. Going straight from Argentina to Barcelona is crazy, it would have been more normal to start a career here in Spain first.

"Messi continues to surprise everyone with every game and I'm no different. I believed that he wanted to return to Rosario one day and that at some point he'd return to Newell's, and I thought that's when I'd be his coach. I never imagined I'd coach Messi at Barcelona."

Messi is just one of many big talents and personalities that Martino will have to get used to managing, but he insists he is undaunted by the task.

"I believe that the best way to deal with it is to accept that Barcelona is full of stars and work with them naturally, speaking with them face to face and with respect," he said.

"I think that's the way to move the club forward."