The Barcelona star has come in for criticism at times for not reproducing his sensational domestic form at a major international tournament.
Messi silenced his doubters to an extent with a brilliant goal in Argentina's 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Group F opener.
However, the 26-year-old produced a somewhat lacklustre first-half display, and the Argentina captain admits he needs to play higher up the pitch in order to put his stamp on the game.
"In the first half I found it difficult to get a hold of the ball and when I did I was very far from goal," Messi said.
"The truth is when I did have the ball I lost it a number of times and at other times I was playing it backwards.
"I was annoyed at not being able to play the game I had planned."
Messi's club and international team-mate Javier Mascherano is set to earn his 100th cap in the fixture, and the 30-year-old remains eager to succeed with Argentina.
"What is my secret? I live for this," he said. "I am not one of those players that makes the difference on the pitch, but more a player that sacrifices myself for the team."
