Diego Maradona proudly eulogised Lionel Messi, the man he says is the best player in the world, after the young Barcelona star scored the killer second goal in yesterday's 2-0 win over France in Marseille.

"Messi played fantastically. The ball is a part of his body it is impossible to wrest it from him."

Messi's solo strike eight minutes from the end added to an opener from Jonas Gutierrez shortly before the break cemented Argentina's superiority once they settled into their rhythm.

Maradona praised Messi for also working hard off the ball.

"When he has to lend a hand to the team he does that too. He understood we were under the cosh in the opening 20 minutes when the lines were a fair way apart and he had to work hard along with (strike partner Sergio) Aguero.

"Overall, I am very pleased and proud," said the 1986 world champion, who has now won his first two games in charge following November's friendly in Scotland.

"The team understood it was important to get a hold of the ball and hang on to it."