Javier Mascherano: 'I could not handle Lionel Messi's life'

Javier Mascherano has claimed that he would "hate" to have the life of Barcelona and Argentina teammate Lionel Messi.

Widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the game, Messi, alongside Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, is the most famous face in the sport.

Mascherano believes that the strain of being Messi would take its toll and has praised his teammate for 'never hiding'.

"Messi never hides and always faces his critics. I would hate to be him. I couldn't handle it. He's very special. He still comes to the national team even when he's about to become a father," Mascherano told TyCSports.

Argentina will face Bolivia and Mexico in friendlies over the next week.