El fútbol en Sudamérica es casi una religión y para ganar se vale hacer lo que sea, hasta invocar a un héroe lejano, más allá del océano.

Este fin de semana la selección argentina, encabezada por su estrella, Lionel Messi, arribó a Lima, Perú, para enfrentar a la selección local por las Eliminatorias Mundialistas. Cerca de 200 aficionados se dieron cita para vociferar el nombre del némesis futbolístico de 'La Pulga': ¡Cristiano! ¡Cristiano!, gritaron según el Diario Marca.

Cristiano Ronaldo y Lionel Messi mantienen una rivalidad velada de tintes históricos, pues no sólo defienden las camisetas del Real Madrid y Barcelona, también son habituales candidatos al Premio de Mejor Jugador FIFA.

Y es que según relata Mediotiempo.com, los diarios locales se han encargado de calentar el ambiente del partido con titulares como: "Pisen a la ‘Pulga” (Trome) y “¡A tumbar a Messi!” (Depor).

Messi brilló con luz propia el pasado viernes cuando en Córdoba la selección albiceleste goleó 3-1 a Paraguay con sus asistencias y gol.

Este martes, Perú recibe al líder de las eliminatorias sudamericanas en la séptima fecha de competencia.

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  • Venezuelan players celebrate at the end of the 1-0 victory over Colombia in a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

  • Radamel Falcao Garcia, Gabriel Cichero

    Colombia's Radamel Falcao Garcia, right, heads the ball as Venezuela's Gabriel Cichero looks on during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

  • Juan Arango, Abel Aguilar

    Venezuela's Juan Arango, right, fights for the ball with Colombia's Abel Aguilar during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Tuesday, March 26, 2013.(AP Photo/Carlos Landaeta)

  • A young fan with his face painted with the colors of Chile's national flag gestures before the start of a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Uruguay in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

  • Chile's players celebrate the 2-0 victory over Uruguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo)

  • Chilean players celebrate at the end of the 2-0 victory over Uruguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo)

  • Christian Benitez

    Ecuador's Christian Benitez, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Paraguay during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, March 26, 2013.(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

  • Jefferson Montero, Fidencio Oviedo

    Ecuador's Jefferson Montero, right, fights for the ball with Paraguay's Fidencio Oviedo during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, March 26, 2013.(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

  • Luis Caballero

    Paraguay's Luis Caballero, second from the right, celebrates after scoring against Ecuador during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

  • Christian Benitez, Christian Noboa, Luis Antonio Valencia

    Ecuador's Christian Benitez, center, celebrates with teammates Christian Noboa, left, and Luis Antonio Valencia after scoring against Paraguay during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, March 26, 2013.(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

  • Angel Di Maria

    Argentina's Angel Di Maria lies on the pitch after missing a chance to score against Bolivia during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Ronald Raldes, Angel Di Maria

    Argentina's Angel Di Maria, left, fights for the ball with Bolivia's Ronald Raldes during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Sergio Galarza

    Bolivia goalkeeper Sergio Galarza fails to stop the ball during the goal of Argentina's Ever Banega during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Bolivia's Marcelo Martins, second from the left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Argentina during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Lionel Messi, Luis Gutierrez

    Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, fights for the ball with Bolivia's Luis Gutierrez during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in La Paz, Bolivia, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

  • Ever Banega, Sebastian Dominguez, and Lionel Messi

    Argentina players Ever Banega, Sebastian Dominguez, and Lionel Messi stand on the pitch after the first goal of the game was made by Bolivia during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Lionel Messi, Walter Veizaga, Alejandro Chumacero

    Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, fights for the ball with Bolivia's Walter Veizaga, left, and Bolivia's Alejandro Chumacero, center, during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Lionel Messi, Walter Veizaga

    Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, fights for the ball with Bolivia's Walter Veizaga during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Angel Di Maria, Walter Veizaga

    Argentina's Angel Di Maria, right, fights for the ball with Bolivia's Walter Veizaga during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • Argentina soccer fans cheer for their team before the start of a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match with Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Gonzalo Higuain scored against Venezuela during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA (Photo credit should read DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-URU-PAR

    Paraguayan players celebrate after forward Edgar Benitez scored against Uruguay during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match in Montevideo, Uruguay on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / PABLO PORCIUNCULA (Photo credit should read PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-URU-PAR

    Paraguayan players celebrate after forward Edgar Benitez scored against Uruguay during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match in Montevideo, Uruguay on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / PABLO PORCIUNCULA (Photo credit should read PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-URU-PAR

    Paraguayan forward Edgar Benitez gestures during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match against Uruguay in Montevideo, Uruguay on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / PABLO PORCIUNCULA (Photo credit should read PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentine forward Lionel Messi (R) scores a penalty against Venezuela during their Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match, in Buenos Aires on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentine forward Lionel Messi (L) vies with Venezuela's defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (C) and midfielder Tomas Rincon during their Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match, in Buenos Aires on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA (Photo credit should read DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentina's forward Ezequiel Lavezzi (R) vies for the ball with Venezuela's defender Andres Tunez during a Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier football match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentina's Lionel Messi(L) and his teammate Fernando Gago struggle for the ball with Venezuelan Tomas Rincon during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifying match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA (Photo credit should read DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Venezuela's coach Cesar Farias gestures during a Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier football match against Argentina at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-VEN

    Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring against Venezuela during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA (Photo credit should read DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Bolivian midfielder Ronald Garcia(R) and Colombian midfielder Macnelly Torres vie for the ball during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifying football match in Barranquilla, Colombia on March 22, 2013. (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Colombia's Pablo Estifer Armero celebrates after scoring against Bolivia during their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier football match, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / LUIS ACOSTA (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado (L) vies for the ball with Bolivian midfielder Rudy Cardozo during their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier match, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / EITAN ABRAMOVICH (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Colombian forward Teofilo Gutierrez (L) vies for the ball with Bolivian defender Edward Zenteno during their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier match, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / EITAN ABRAMOVICH (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Colombia's Pablo Estifer Armero (L) celebrates with teammate Juan Cuadrado after scoring against Bolivia during their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier football match, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / LUIS ACOSTA (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-COL-BOL

    Colombia's footballers celebrate during their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier football match against Bolivia, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on March 22, 2013. Colombia won 5-0. AFP PHOTO / LUIS ACOSTA (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • A young Uruguay soccer fan waits for the start of a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game with Ecuador in Montevideo, Uruguay,Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

  • Ecuador's Felipe Caicedo, right, celebrates after scoring with teammate Antonio Valencia at a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game against Uruguay in Montevideo, Uruguay, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

  • Chile's Eugenio Mena, right, fights for the ball with Colombia's Camilo Zuniga during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer game in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. Colombia won 3-1. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo)

  • Colombia's James Rodriguez, right, celebrates a play along with teammates during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer game with Chile in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. Colombia won 3-1. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo)

  • Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Paraguay during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Cordoba, Argentina, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

  • Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, fights for the ball with Paraguay's Victor Caceres during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer game in Cordoba, Argentina, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)

  • Argentina's Marcos Rojo, top right, heads the ball during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer game in Cordoba, Argentina, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. Also pictured; are Paraguay's Victor Caceres, front right, and Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi, left. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)

  • Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, left, fails to stop a penalty kick by Paraguay's Jonathan Fabbro during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer game in Cordoba, Argentina, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)

  • Paraguay's Jonathan Fabbro celebrates scoring against Argentina during a World Cup qualifying soccer match in Cordoba, Argentina, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

  • Colombia's Teofilo Gutierrez, bottom right, and teammate Pablo Armero, bottom second right, celebrate with their fans after Gutierrez scores during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Uruguay, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • Colombia's Teofilo Gutierrez, center, celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Uruguay during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Barranquilla, Colombia, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. On the ground are Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, right, and Alvaro Pereira, left, and in background Colombia's Falcao Garcia, right and Uruguay's Diego Lugano. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

  • Colombia's Edwin Valencia, left, fights for the ball with Uruguay's Gaston Ramirez, during a 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Barranquilla, Colombia, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. Colombia won 3-0. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

  • Ecuador's Felipe Caicedo celebrates after scoring a penalty goal against Bolivia during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa).

  • Bolivia's Luis Mendez leaves the pitch after losing their World Cup qualifying soccer match to Ecuador, 1-0, in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)



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  • FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi looks at the cup as he and his teammates parade on a bus through a crowd of supporters celebrating in the streets of Barcelona on May 13, 2013, two days after their team won the Spanish league. The Catalans didn't even need to set foot on the pitch to seal the title on May 11 as Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Espanyol meant Barca had already been crowned champions before their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FC Barcelona Celebrate Winning The Spanish Liga With A Victory Parade

    BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 13: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with team-mates on an open top bus during their victory parade after winning the Spanish Liga title on May 13, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

  • FBL-ESP-LIGA-ATLETICO-MADRID-BARCELONA

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match Atletico de Madrid vs Barcelona on May 12, 2013 at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. AFP PHOTO/ PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)

  • The Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi No. 10 by Audermas Piguet, is pictured with the jersey of the national soccer team of Argentina during an auction preview at Sotheby's in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, May 7, 2013. The sale is scheduled on May 11 for the Leo Messi Foundation. (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott)

  • Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga

    MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 12: Lionel Messi (L) of FC Barcelona gets past Tiago Cardoso Mendez of Club Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on May 12, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, left, escapes PSG's Marco Verratti, from Italy, during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, smiles during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

  • PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from Sweden, left, shakes hands with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, at the end of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina,who started the game on the bench, replaces teammate Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, right, looks at Barcelona's head coach Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova, left, as he replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, right, replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, left, replaces Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • FBL-EUR-C1-BARCELONA-PSG

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Alex Costa (L) during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 10, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BARCELONA

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi holds his leg during the Champions League quarter-final football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 2, 2013. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Paris St Germain v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final

    PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 02: Lionel Messi of Barcelona and David Beckham of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona FCB at Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

  • FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BARCELONA

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League quarter-final football match between PSG and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 2, 2013. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal while Paris Saint Germain's goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu of Italy looks on during their Champions League quarterfinal soccer match in Paris,Tuesday, April 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal while Paris Saint Germain's goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu of Italy looks on during their Champions League quarterfinal soccer match in Paris,Tuesday, April 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-BOL-ARG

    Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Bolivia, at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz, on March 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Lionel Messi

    Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match against Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

  • Lionel Messi

    Argentina's Lionel Messi sits on the pitch during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match against Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

  • Ever Banega, Clemente Rodriguez, Lionel Messi

    Argentina's Ever Banega, right, celebrates with his teammates Clemente Rodriguez, center, and Lionel Messi, after Ever scored a goal against Bolivia during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-TRAINING

    Argentina's forward Lionel Messi smiles during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Lionel Messi

    Argentina's Lionel Messi watches teammates during a training session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Argentina will face Venezuela in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in Buenos Aires on March 22. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)

  • Lionel Messi

    Argentina's Lionel Messi leaves the field after a training session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Argentina will face Venezuela in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in Buenos Aires on March 22. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-TRAINING

    Argentina's forward Lionel Messi gives the thumb up during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-WC2014-QUALIFIERS-ARG-TRAINING

    Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (C) poses for pictures with supporters during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires on March 19, 2013 ahead of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match against Venezuela on March 22. AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

  • A visitor poses with the wax figure of Lionel Messi at the Madame Tussauds exhibition in Tokyo, Wednesday, March 13, 2013.(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

  • JAPAN-ENTERTAINMENT-TUSSAUDS

    A Japanese woman inspects the wax figure of football star Lionel Messi at a press preview of Madame Tussauds museum in Tokyo on March 13, 2013. Tokyo's Madame Tussauds museum will exhibit some 60 wax figures of Japanese and foreign stars when it re-opens on March 15. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba, right, hugs teammate Lionel Messi, from Argentina, after he scored their second goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi, from Argentina, celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • FBL-ESP-CUP-BARCELONA-REALMADRID

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish Cup semi-final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FBL-ESP-CUP-BARCELONA-REALMADRID

    Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish Cup semi-final second-leg football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during a Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during a Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts after losing the Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts after losing the Copa del Rey soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

  • Lionel Messi

    Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts during their La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

  • Lionel Messi

    Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina makes thumbs-up sign during their La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

  • Victor Ruiz, Lionel Messi

    Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina, left, duels for the ball with Valencia's Victor Ruiz, during their La Liga soccer match at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

  • Lionel Messi

    Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates after scoring against Valencia during their La Liga soccer match at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

  • Lionel Messi

    FC Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi poses with the trophy after being awarded the FIFA Men's World Player of the Year during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan 7, 2013. Messi was named FIFA Men's World Player of the Year for a record-breaking fourth successive year. (AP Photo/Keystone, Walter Bieri)

  • From left: Portugal's Christiano Ronaldo, Spain's Andres Iniesta and Argentina's Lionel Messi, the nominees for the FIFA Men's World Soccer Player of the Year Award, attend a press conference during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Keystone/Walter Bieri)

  • Argentina's Lionel Messi arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or soccer Gala 2013 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Keystone/Walter Bieri)

  • FBL-FIFA-BALLONDOR

    FIFA Ballon d'Or award winner Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi holds his trophy during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images)

  • FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

  • FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

  • FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina attends the press conference with nominees for World Player of the Year and World Coach of the Year for Men's Football prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at Congress House on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

  • FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina poses during the red carpet arrivals of the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at Congress House on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

  • Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (C) celebrates with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) and Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba after scoring during the Spanish league football match Valladolid vs FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on December 22, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CESAR MANSO (Photo credit should read CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty Images)

  • Real Valladolid CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga

    VALLADOLID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 22: Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Lionel Messi after scoring against Real Valladolid during the La Liga game between Real Valladolid and FC Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on December 22, 2012 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)