“Messi is not an alien, he is a human being who plays football better than anyone else. When that person exceeds you, you cannot suffer, he gives you joy.”
Batistuta, who scored 10 goals in three World Cup editions between 1994 and 2002, said Messi had exceeded his expectations with his five goals, three assists and excellent all-round play at the tournament in Qatar.
“I expected him to be more calm, but he is playing like a 20-year-old,” he added. “And it’s because he’s hungry, he’s here to win the cup. That’s what football needs, that’s what Leo is spreading throughout the team.”
The former striker is confident Lionel Scaloni’s side can beat the defending champions.