But the 29-year-old has been in prolific form for Juventus this season, scoring nine goals in 14 Italian Serie A matches, and Messi believes his experience will be "vital" in Russia.

"Pipa has suffered a lot from criticism and we have talked about it a lot of times," Messi said.

"But I think that this time away from the national team has done him good, now he is seeing things in a different light. He has to be [in the team] because he is vital, he is one of the best forwards in the world and he always shows it."

Higuain has also found allies in retired Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta.

In October, Maradona backed Higuain to force his way back into the team while Batistuta said the former Real Madrid striker had unfairly been made a scapegoat for Argentina's recent disappointments in major tournaments.

【体坛英语资讯：Messi: Russia my last shot at World Cup glory】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Yang wins all-around at Chinas gym championship

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao, Yi shine in first matchup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paltrow: Jolie, Pitt attract paparazzi

★ 娱乐英语资讯：41-year old Halle Berry pregnant with first child

★ 体坛英语资讯：Celtics and Lakers square off in leagues top rivalry

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohans father wont walk her down aisle

★ 体坛英语资讯：Nothing guaranteed in group of death

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas new and old set early pace at worlds

★ 体坛英语资讯：Preview: Germany upbeat, Croatia confident of Euro 2008 clash

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Court may open Spears divorce papers