Barcelona centre-back Javier Mascherano has admitted that Lionel Messi 'must be selfish' as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Argentine forward is not expected to return until 2014 due to the injury, but Mascherano believes that the rest will benefit his teammate in the long run.

"When Messi was lying on the ground and looking back to the bench I knew something was badly wrong," he told Ole.

"Now he has to be the most selfish person in the world. I say that in a good way - he needs to really look after himself and recover well.

"An injury is never good news but it certainly does not hurt to rest properly and take some time out just for you. He needs to focus on recovering."

Mascherano is currently on international duty with Argentina.