Lionel Messi: 'Argentina must be perfect against Germany'

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has called on his teammates to "play a perfect match" against Germany in the World Cup final.

The South Americans have been widely viewed as the underdogs ahead of the showpiece event, which gets underway in Rio de Janeiro tonight (Sunday).

Messi believes that Argentina, who are looking to win a third title, must produce an impeccable display this evening if they want to come away with the glory.

"Germany are always very strong physically and tactically," he told FIFA.com. "For that reason they are the team that has won most titles along with Brazil and Italy.

"They use the ball very well and play the ball between the lines. We have to play a perfect match."

Messi has scored four goals in six matches for Argentina so far at the World Cup.