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Agence France-Presse

Lionel Messi’s failure to win the World Cup with Argentina on Sunday does not affect his status as an all-time great, according to coach Alejandro Sabella.
Messi was bidding to emulate his compatriot Diego Maradona by inspiring Argentina to victory in the final in Rio de Janeiro, but instead the four-time world footballer of the year finished on the losing side as Germany prevailed 1-0.
The 27-year-old Barcelona superstar squandered a glorious chance early in the second half when he shot wide with only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to beat, but Sabella said that his captain had nothing to prove.
“It is a very demanding tournament and it is drains everyone physically. He is already among the greatest of all time,” Sabella said.

Despite Argentina’s defeat, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player, and Sabella felt he was a worthy recipient.

	Five key moments that sent the trophy to Germany
“I think yes he deserved it, because he played a great World Cup,” said the Argentina coach
Sabella was left ruing his side’s failure to take their chances. As well as Messi's chance, Gonzalo Higuain missed a glorious first-half chance to put Argentina 1-0 ahead.

“It was a very balanced game,” Sabella said. “They had more possession, but we had more cutting edge, more chances.
“When there are chances in a game that is so evenly balanced, you have to take them. We lacked a bit of efficiency.”
Sabella, meanwhile, praised his players for recovering from a gruelling semi-final against the Netherlands to take Germany all the way to the wire.

	How baby-faced assassin Mario Goetze rose to the top
“We played a day later and extra time, and the only thing I can do is congratulate my players,” he said.

“The work they did was extraordinary and we also congratulate Germany.”
Argentina were bidding to claim a first title since 1986, but although they fell short, Sabella said they had done everything in their power to win.
“It is very bitter,” he said. “We had a great team to get to the final and obviously we wanted to win. To be perfect, we needed to be more efficient.
“I am sad for the players, for the normal pain of losing, but also satisfied, because we have an extraordinary group that gave everything.
“They were warriors, at least in the football sense. I congratulate them, obviously, because there is nothing else to do.
“A coach always has to judge the performance, which I think was very good, and above all the effort. They gave every last bead of sweat for Argentina.”
Sabella added: “Bearing in mind the opponent and the circumstance of playing a day later, it was our best game.
“After 24 years, the players made history. They didn’t win the gold, but they won the silver. We go away with a bittersweet taste.
“It is a double sensation. One of sadness, because when you get to a final, you want to win, but also of satisfaction, because the players gave everything. You can’t criticise them for anything.”


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Fifa World Cup 2014

World Cup Final: Lionel Messi still an all-time great, insists Argentina coach

Lionel Messi was mostly crowded out by Germany's defence. Photo: AP

Alejandro Sabella gestures during the game. Photo: AFP

Argentina are dejected after the final whistle. Photo: AP

Lionel Messi failed to shine in the final but still won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. Photo: AFP

World Cup Final: How baby-faced assassin Mario Goetze rose to the top

Goetze with the World Cup. Photo: AP

Mario Goetze celebrates his World Cup-winning strike. Photo: EPA

Mario Goetze hugs his girlfriend. Photo: Reuters

Goetze volleys past Sergio Romero. Photo: AP

Goetze connects. Photo: AP

Goetze celebrates with his teammates. Photo: AP

World Cup Final: Stunning Mario Goetze volley wins title for Germany in extra time

Germany celebrate with the World Cup. Photo: AFP

Mario Goetze celebrates with Jerome Boateng. Photo: Reuters

Mario Goetze wheels away after scoring the winner. Photo: AP

Mario Goetze's winner hits the back of the net. Photo: Reuters

Gonzalo Higuain 'scored' in the first half, but was offside. Photo: AP

Lionel Messi came close but Germany got bodies in the way. Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi was having a frustrating day. Photo: AFP

Lionel Messi scratches his head. Photo: AFP

Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates with the trophy. Photo: AP

Germany dance around the World Cup. Photo: AP

Match-winner Mario Goetze celebrates with the trophy. Photo: AP

World Cup Final: Five key moments that sent the trophy to Germany

Mario Goetze scores the winner. Photo: AP

Manuel Neuer clatters Gonzalo Higuain. Photo: AFP

Gonzalo Higuain scuffs his shot. Photo: AFP

Germany celebrate Goetze's goal. Photo: AP

Rodrigo Palacio messed this chance up. Photo: EPA

Messi shoots just wide. Photo: Reuters

World Cup Final: I can't believe it, says Germany hero Mario Goetze

Mario Goetze kisses the trophy. Photo: Reuters

Mario Goetze, Andre Schuerrle and Jerome Boateng celebrate. Photo: AFP

Germany celebrate with the trophy. Photo: AP

Sport

Football

Star deserved golden ball  despite not delivering World Cup says Alejandro Sabella


Lionel Messi