Maxi Rodriguez: 'We must help Lionel Messi'

Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez has claimed that Lionel Messi should not be burdened with too much pressure during Sunday's World Cup final against Germany.

La Albiceleste's captain and talisman is likely to be the centre of attention tomorrow night as his country looks to win the tournament for the first time since 1986.

However, Rodriguez hopes that the rest of the Argentine team can pull together to help Messi guide them to glory.

"We know he's a game changer, but we have to support him," Rodriguez told FIFA.com. "The upside is that the group is well drilled: everyone knows their role. We're ready for the challenge that's waiting for us on Sunday."

Messi has scored four goals in six games so far at the World Cup.