Javier Mascherano: I couldn't bear to be Lionel Messi

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said today that he could not "bear" to be Lionel Messi, his countryman and teammate at Barcelona, because of the criticism he receives.

"Messi does not hide and never shies away from criticism. I would hate to be Messi. He is something very special. He keeps coming (to the national team) even when he is about to be a father", said Mascherano, from the United States in a chat with TyCSports.

The Albiceleste is in Houston to prepare for the games against Bolivia, next Friday, and Mexico, on September 8 in Dallas.

"We are football players who want to offer the most we can. We are honest and try to do it the best way," Mascherano said of the criticism they received after losing the final of the Copa America in Chile, against the hosts, on penalties.

He further argued that "losing the Copa America hurt more than the World Cup" and that criticism "hurt a lot."