Villarreal hero Martin Palermo says Argentina need to show Barcelona star Lionel Messi greater support.

Palermo and Messi played together for Argentina and the former striker feels that it's time for his country to get behind the Barcelona man.

"It's obvious that he is upset and angered by comments made so we have to show him some more respect," he said.

The former Boca Juniors player also spoke about his time with the club from Buenos Aires with his then manager Ricardo La Volpe.

"He has made a name for himself in Mexico and I respect him for that," he stated.