SAO PAULO (AP):

Normally a reserved man who avoids hype, Argentina coach, Alejandro Sabella, isn't shy about declaring Lionel Messi to be the best player in the world.

Comparing the Argentina captain with Arjen Robben of The Netherlands and Brazil's Neymar, Sabella yesterday held up Messi as the undisputed No. 1.

Sabella says: "Each of them is important for their teams, but Messi is the best of them all."

After a disappointing World Cup four years ago, Messi has carried Argentina into the semi-finals in Brazil, scoring four goals - the same tally Neymar reached before injury ruled him out of the tournament. Robben, who faces Argentina today, has scored three. Meanwhile, Sabella says Enzo Perez is likely to replace injured winger Angel di Maria in today's semi-final.

Sabella didn't give his line-up for the game at Itaquerao Stadium, but said it is "very probable" that Perez will come in for Di Maria, as he did in the quarter-final win over Belgium.

Real Madrid's Di Maria limped out in the 33rd minute against the Belgians with a right-thigh injury. The team says he might recover in time for Sunday's World Cup final, if Argentina make it.

Sabella said defender Marcos Rojo was also in contention to start the semi-final after serving a suspension. Striker Sergio Aguero will likely be on the bench as he returns from injury.