Argentina looked out of sorts for long spells against Italy, as Messi watched on from the Etihad Stadium stands, before second-half goals from Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini sealed the win.
The performance prompted some critics to accuse Jorge Sampaoli s side of relying too much on their star number 10, but Koke says such dependence is hardly surprising.
Everyone looks for him when it comes to games, either for Barcelona or his national team, because he decides matches with a goal, a pass, he said. When you watch him on TV, it seems like he suddenly changes gear.
If you have him on your team, it s normal that you d look for him.
Spain head into the match after impressing in a 1-1 draw with Germany, a performance that further cemented their place as one of the favourites for the World Cup in Russia.
Koke believes they are beginning to win back some fans following disappointing campaigns at the 2014 finals and Euro 2016 in France.
It s always a point of pride to wear the Spain shirt and to play in your own stadium is amazing, he added.
The excitement around the national team has been lost a bit and we re recovering it with the good work we ve done in the last two years. People have become engaged again.
