Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella says that he is proud of his "warriors" despite their defeat to Germany in the finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Mario Gotze grabbed the winner for Germany in the second half of extra time after neither side could break the deadlock in the first 90 minutes.
Despite admitting that the La Albiceleste "needed to be more clinical " as they were unable to convert their chances, Sabella insists that he is proud of his side.
"The players were warriors. They left their skin on the pitch. They did everything. The team have played an extraordinary World Cup. Beyond the pain of the defeat in the final they can look themselves in the eyes and say they gave everything for Argentina," Sabella told reporters after the match.
"I am very proud, the boys played an extraordinary World Cup and improved as they advantages through the stages and they gave everything for the Argentina jersey."
The 59-year-old boss feels that his side really put up a good fight considering they played 120 minutes against Netherlands and got one less day to prepare for the finals.
"Taking into account who the opponent was and that we had one less rest day, this was our best performance. We played a day later and extra time and the only thing I can do is congratulate my players and also congratulate Germany," he added.
Sabella also insists that Messi thoroughly deserved to get the Golden Ball even though he failed to make an impact in the finals against Germany.
"He deserves it because he played an extraordinary World Cup," said Sabella. "He was a fundamental factor in the team making it to the final, along with everything done by his other team-mates," he added.
"The World Cup is a highly demanding tournament and as for his reputation, he is in that pantheon among the greats. But he was there before - he has been there for quite some time."
Finally Sabella refused to comment on his future as the Argentina head coach, saying: "I cannot speak about the future, the future for me now is to be with the players and my people - the coaches and my family - and to rest a bit. I don't know what to say about the future."
