Argentina's Javier Mascherano hugs teammate Lionel Messi (back) after their team's victory over the Netherlands at the end of their 2014 World Cup semi-finals at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo July 9, 2014. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
BARCELONA, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Javier Mascherano has backed his Argentina team mate Lionel Messi to respond to his World Cup disappointment on the pitch for Barcelona in the new season.
Messi was named the best player at the World Cup after Argentina lost the final to Germany, a decision that was widely questioned after the forward's often lacklustre displays. The former world player of the year returned early to Barcelona to concentrate on pre-season training before the La Liga kick-off this weekend when Barcelona, who failed to win a trophy last season, play host to Elche.
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