Former Villarreal star Martin Palermo says Barcelona ace Lionel Messi doesn't get the recognition he deserves in Argentina.

Palermo admits Messi doesn't receive the adulation in Argentina he gets in Barcelona.

"He's at his peak, with the maturity that every player has to reach," Palermo told Marca.

"He's beyond question, but in Argentina we don't give him the importance he deserves. He's not loved like he is at Barça nor is he given the status he is afforded around the world. We should wise up and get real to the fact that we have the best player in the world."