Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted that his side were far from their best against Saudi Arabia tonight.

A star-studded Argentine side including Messi and Sergio Aguero were unable to break down their hosts as the Saudis earned a credible draw.

Messi could not pinpoint why his team struggled in Riyadh but believes that Argentina have progressed considerably during 2012.

He told reporters: "We didn't do things like we normally do and it wasn't our best day today.

"I'm disappointed with how things played out for us tonight, but this year was very positive for our national team.

"We have won important matches this year and things have been great for me at club level and on a personal level too."

Alejandro Sabella's side top World Cup qualifying in South America at the halfway stage after taking 20 points from their opening nine matches.