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Messi wants Argentina success

Lionel Messi says that he dreams of following his success at Barcelona by winning a trophy with his national team.

"I have had the good fortune to win trophies with my team and on a personal level," he said. "I am missing one with the senior team. That is my dream. It is a difficult road to the World Cup. We want to win against Paraguay and Peru."

La Pulga (The Flea) admitted that things had not always gone to plan for him at international level, but after scoring as Argentina have won their last five games (including hat-tricks in friendly wins against Brazil and Switzerland) he is currently in a positive frame of mind.

"I do not know if this is my best year with the national team," Messi said. "We have won a few games in a row and it is a while since we managed that. I played well at the Copa América, then there were some ups and downs, now I am enjoying how it is going."

Argentina currently sit third of nine teams in the South American group (with four to qualify automatically) after three wins, one draw and a defeat in their first five games. The Barcelona star said it was important the team won these two upcoming matches.

"Paraguay and Peru will be two difficult opponents, all the games in qualifying are difficult," he added. "The qualifiers are very tough and we must keep growing as a team. Against Paraguay we must have the ball and attack because we know they are a hard team.

"We are getting results and we can work calmly. We hope to continue like this in our next two games. You cannot drop points at home, and we want to play well, but the most important thing is to win. We will try and play well and excite the fans."

The recent run of form under coach Alejandro Sabella had helped supporters get behind the national team.

"I appreciate the support of all Argentines," Messi explained. "With our results they are getting behind the national team more. We are happy that they are with us in every game."