Argentina captain Messi helped his side to victory in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Saturday, after curling in a free-kick during his nation's 3-1 win over Paraguay in Cordoba.

And Seballa told Marca how the diminutive forward is now in high spirits, compared to Ronaldo, who is apparently unsettled over a mystery issue at Real Madrid.

"Messi is happy," the Argentine coach was quoted as saying.

"He's on the top of his game and he's showing it out on the pitch. When he's in that sort of mood and feeling happy, we have a great chance of him giving us many more happy moments."

Seballa's words come after Messi himself had gushed about his contentment within the national camp.

"This is a beautiful feeling. It's amazing when the crowd shows you so much love. It has happened in the Copa America, here in Cordoba, and in Buenos Aires, too," Messi said.

Messi, who has now scored 10 goals in his last six games with Argentina, has helped to lead his country to the current top of the CONMEBOL 2014 World Cup Qualifying table.

Perhaps more importantly for Argentina supporters, the Rosario-born forward appears to be in the right frame of mind heading into a crucial tie with Peru on Tuesday in Lima.