Argentina were beaten 3-0 by their South American rivals in Venezuela in July and Messi, who has been in scintillating form for Barcelona recently, is desperate to repay the fans for that disappointment.

Alfio Basile's side start their road to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 with a clash against Chile on October 13 and meet Venezuela four days later.

"We hope to give satisfaction to our people, who could not celebrate the Copa America title," said Messi.

"However, I'm sure it won't be easy for us because Chile will be the surprise team of the qualifiers.

"I'm very anxious, like every time I put the national shirt on."

Chile are coached by former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa and Messi admits it will be strange to see him in the opposite dug-out.

He added: "I don't know him in person, but it will be strange for everybody to see him on the visitors' bench. Bielsa is a great coach.

"I have not met a player who had any bad words for him."