Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella has claimed that Lionel Messi has become an even better player since being handed the national team's captaincy.

The Barcelona forward is one of the favourites for the 2012 Ballon d'Or award, following a record-breaking campaign in which he scored 73 goals in all club competitions.

The Albiceleste's coach believes that, despite having to shoulder more responsibility, the three-time player of the year has improved since being made skipper.

"He is happy, since he has been given the captaincy I think he has done well," the 57-year-old told Fox Sports.

"I think he has become better; he has matured and feels happier. The weight of expectation on him was already there in the group, but now with the captaincy it is even greater.

"Messi and [Sergio] Aguero undoubtedly have great empathy and understand each other well. But Messi also plays very well with [Gonzalo] Higuain."

Sabella was named as coach of Argentina in 2011.