Comparing Messi's Form For Barcelona & Argentina Is Wrong - Dani Alves

The Argentinean must learn to cope with the criticism according to his Barca team-mate...

Barcelona wing-back Dani Alves has spoken about the criticism received by Lionel Messi in Argentina, by commenting that it is a mistake to compare the Argentine forward's game for Barca with how he plays for the national side.

Messi has been criticised by many quarters in Argentina for not reproducing his sparkling club form for the Albiceleste, who secured their place at the 2010 World Cup on the final day of qualifying after a less than impressive campaign.

"They want to make comparisons with the Messi from here [Barcelona], but that is a mistake because he has different team-mates here, who may take away some of the great pressure he gets in his country," he is quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.

Alves insists though that such criticism is part and parcel of being a professional footballer and said that Messi has to be prepared to accept it.

He added, "A player of that level and of his stature, has to be prepared for all of these moments in his life and in his career."