When You Are The Best Player In The World You Need To Show Leadership:

USA today reports that Argentina coach Diego Maradona was happy with Messi's performance in the friendly versus Spain yesterday:

Messi was more involved in Argentina's play than in recent World Cup qualifiers, when the young Barcelona forward received criticism for failing to emulate his club play for country. But he didn't appear to stand out and was replaced by winger Diego Perotti in the 84th.

"Leo played marvelously well today, little by little he's becoming the team's leader," Maradona said at Vicente Calderon Stadium. "It's what I want, what I hope for." (Source)