Gerardo Martino: 'Lionel Messi produced best performances at Copa America'

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino has claimed that Lionel Messi produced some of his best performances for his country at the Copa America.

Messi was the main target of criticism in Argentina following their penalty shootout defeat to Chile last month, but Martino believes that the Barcelona forward did not deserve to be singled out.

"In my opinion, Messi's Copa America performances were his best in an Argentina shirt," he told Radio Uno.

"I shouldn't even respond to this type of criticism, because it's unbelievable. It wouldn't stand up to analysis and has no basis."

Messi has scored 46 goals in 103 appearances for Argentina.