Barcelona star Lionel Messi believes he is ready to replicate his magical performances at the Nou Camp with Argentina at the World Cup finals.

Leading into the tournament, the 22-year-old had endured difficult times in the Albiceleste shirt under coach Diego Maradona but he feels a different man playing for Argentina this summer in South Africa.

"Ever since we arrived here, my mentality has changed," said Messi. "I went through difficult times with the national team when things didn't come out the way I wanted to. The qualifying round was not good and it wasn't pleasant to go through that but I've stood up and it was great."