Lionel Messi has admitted that he has not been at his best for Argentina at the Copa America, but insisted that the pitches at the tournament are not helping his situation.
The Barcelona star has captained his country to the semi-finals of the continental competition but has struggled to reach top form.
The 31-year-old, who is looking to win his first major international trophy, has scored just once in the tournament so far - from the penalty spot during the 1-1 draw with Paraguay.
His difficult run continued during Friday's quarter-final against Venezuela, which saw him manage only three shots on goal.
And Messi conceded that he has not been playing at the usual level for Lionel Scaloni's side.
"The truth is I'm not having my best Copa America," he said after the 2-0 win.
"It's always very difficult for us because we want to do something different and attack and teams pack out the middle of the pitch.
"No one is giving anything away cheaply in this Copa.
"It's very difficult to play because the pitches are very bad, it's shameful.
"The ball is like a rabbit, it can go anywhere and you can't dribble."
Goals from Lautaro Martinez and Tottenham target Giovani Lo Celso against Venezuela ensured that Argentina would meet old rivals Brazil in the semi-finals.
The two sides haven't met in the Copa America since 2007, when Brazil won 3-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
And although Messi has yet to produce his best football, Brazil defender Thiago Silva insists that they will be keeping a close eye on him.
"He is the best player in the world and he still could spring to life," Silva said on Saturday.
"We will have to be especially focused on him when we have the ball and when we don't.
"Sometimes he can be at walking pace during a game but he's always looking for space to launch a counterattack.
"It's a privilege to be able to face him again and we'll have to try and put the brakes on him."
