GOAL

Argentina coach and former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi is a dream to work with as he can play in almost any position on the pitch.

The Argentine has played in several different roles this season and his national team boss believes he is capable of making a difference anywhere on the pitch

The 27-year-old famously operated as a 'false nine' for four years during Pep Guardiola's reign in charge of the club but has often played in the No.10 role under Luis Enrique this season.

Messi has also switched to wider roles in a front three alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez, and produced two devastating performances in the last-16 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.

Martino has had the pleasure of coaching the Argentine for both Barca and the national side and believes he is equally effective in any number of roles.

"For a long time we haven't seen him be as absolutely crucial as he was against Manchester City on Wednesday," the coach told Mundo Deportivo.

"He can play on the right, left, as a No.9, behind the striker, or even as a No.4! He is able to make the difference anywhere on the pitch."

Martino added that a player with Messi's gifts needs little positional direction and believes it is best to allow him as much freedom as possible on the field.

"Sometimes, it is logical that by analysing a player one thinks it is better to play him in one place or another, but then, if he is good, you can be more flexible. The reality is that his effectiveness is down to him rather than where he is put on the pitch by the coach."