Barcelona full-back Maxwell has rejected claims that club team-mate Lionel Messi is less of a player when on international duty with Argentina.

Barca aim to keep La Liga lead

Messi played a leading role for his club side Barca as they swept past rivals Real Madrid and Manchester United to be crowned kings of Spain and Europe last season.

However, the Argentinean, who is recognised as the world's best player by FIFA, failed to guide his country to success in the Copa America in the summer and things have not gone to plan in the South American 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as well.

On Tuesday, Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta scored the only goal of the game as Venezuela recorded their first ever win over the Albiceleste. Messi, and his team-mates, were poor during this historic 1-0 defeat to Venezuela but Maxwell insists Messi has nothing to prove to anyone.

Argentina did stroll to a 4-1 win over Chile in the first game of their South American 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat-trick and created a goal for Messi in the win.

"I think he's already proved his quality with both Barca and Argentina," Maxwell told Barcelona's website.

"He has different teammates and they play a different game. You can't compare the two, it's another world, but I'm certain he'll be triumphant with Argentina."

The Brazilian also rejected any Messi comparisons with compatriot Neymar, who is being tipped to be the next big thing in world football.

"Messi is incomparable right now," Maxwell said.

Barca restart the defence of their La Liga title after the international break on Saturday when they host Racing.