Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has described Lionel Messi as "unreal".

The 58-year-old also hailed the Barcelona forward's determination to improve.

"2012 has been a fantastic year for Argentina," Sabella told El Dia. "But we have to look to improve.

"As a team we want to be like Messi. Messi is someone who always seeks to do better."

On comparisons between Messi and Diego Maradona, he said: "The sport has changed. Physically, tactically and there is less time to think. For me, Messi is unreal."

Messi has scored a record 90 goals so far this calendar year.