World Player of the Year Lionel Messi says that he can deal with the pressure of spearheading Argentina's World Cup challenge in South Africa this summer. Messi insists he is ready to hit the heights at international level after years of criticism for failing to recreate his Barcelona form for Argentina. "I am going to try and do what I do at Barcelona," Messi said. "I am full of hope and really desire to do well. I am used to the pressure. I play for Barcelona who are one of the most important teams in the world and where it is obligatory to always win." Messi smashed 47 goals in all competitions to help Barcelona retain the Spanish title this season and goes into the tournament as the player everyone is keen to see. Even though Diego Maradona's men struggled in qualifying, Messi believes that not being one of the favourites to lift the trophy could work in his country's favour. "For me, Argentina is a serious candidate for the title even if nobody puts us among the favourites," he said. "And I believe that is a good thing for us." Source: soccernet.espn.go.com