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Emiliano Martinez has talked up Lionel Messi's qualities as a leader after Argentina lifted their second international trophy in less than 12 months.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper reckons La Albiceleste 'fight like lions' for Messi, who captains Lionel Scaloni's triumphant team, and heaped praise on the Paris Saint-Germain superstar. Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in the first edition of the Finalissima at Wembley on Wednesday, as Messi provided two assists and a Man of the Match performance.

Martinez waxed lyrical about his teammates post-match, quoted as saying by TUDN : "A year ago we were nothing and today we are (World Cup) candidates because we won titles. We will always be candidates because we have the best in the world (in Messi). We are all lions who fight for him!"

La Albiceleste's last World Cup win was in 1986, eight years on from their first victory. With Messi potentially playing at his final tournament, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be desperate to build on his long-awaited Copa America glory last summer which finally brought him silverware on the international stage.

Messi, now 34, has had a relatively average first season with PSG after his dramatic departure from Barcelona, scoring just six goals while assisting 14 as the French giants won the Ligue 1 title. His strength of personality has often being questioned by his critics, but his leadership for his country