Pablo Zabaleta has made shocking revelations about the emotional state of Argentina star player Lionel Messi's emotional state.
In a sensational piece published on the BBC website, Zabaleta said that his friend was stressed up due to the pressure of lofty expectations on him.
''His body language was completely the opposite before the Croatia game on Thursday. To see Leo looking so stressed and unhappy at this World Cup was a real worry. He is my friend as well as my former team-mate and I felt really sorry for him. It is very unusual to see him like that, but it was a sign of what was going on in his head,'' Zabaleta said.
His pointed words come in the wake of an uninspiring display by Argentina at the World Cup in Russia that has seen the side stare down the barrel of a possible elimination.
They also come ahead of a crucial fixture against a resurgent Nigeria later today, Tuesday night.
All eyes will be on Messi as Argentina seeks to avoid the prospect of an early elimination.
Zabaleta expressed his fears that Argentina might not make it through to the round of 16.
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