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Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano praises the recent form of teammate Lionel Messi, who has scored nine goals in his last six games.

Javier Mascherano has lavished praise on Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi following the Argentine's excellent run of form.

Messi struggled for consistency in the first part of the season, but has netted nine times in his last six games for the Spanish club.

The assists have also flowed for Messi, who has struck up an excellent understanding with Neymar and Luis Suarez.

"Lionel [Messi]'s in a very good run of form, and when he plays well the team automatically level up," he told ESPN Radio in Argentina.

"Hopefully it stays this way. We need Messi at this level because he's the player who makes the difference. His football also infects others."

Barcelona return to action on Wednesday evening as they welcome Villarreal for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

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