Argentina coach Scaroni said at a news conference after the World Cup final on Thursday:

"How I wish Maradona could see what the Argentina team is all about and how I wish he could enjoy it with us!"

Argentina won the World Cup for the first time in 36 years after beating France on penalties in the final.

Scaroni said: "It never feels like Maradona is away from us, he is always with us. Argentina is a country full of passion and fanaticism for football, and the World Cup is a dream of all. I wish he could have been with us to witness it and enjoy it."

"We feel great about this game. Although the process was unexpected, we reached our final goal. We have a chance to settle the game in 90 minutes, or 120 minutes. The equaliser was different to the one against Holland, we were always very aggressive." "Said Scaroni.

Messi, who is playing in his fifth World Cup, has previously said this is his last World Cup trip.

Scaroni believes Messi may still have the passion and motivation to continue his international career after the Qatar World Cup.

"Messi has brought unprecedented power and change to the team. I spoke to him before the game and we both have a very strong feeling that there will be a very big challenge. We try to relieve and release the pressure."

Scaroni said: "There may still be a place for him in Argentina at the next World Cup. And with the players if he wants to. Of course, it is ultimately his decision as to how his career will proceed."

At 44, Scaloni is the youngest head coach at this World Cup.

He admitted that it took until 90 minutes before the game to settle the starting lineup and let Di Maria play on the left wing.

He also praised goalkeeper Martinez for his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout.

"He told his teammates that he would save penalties and give them too much confidence. And he did. It shows the confidence of the team and the trust among the teammates."

Scaroni said: "There are so many good players in Argentina and so many others to celebrate with us. We may make mistakes, we may be equalised, we may even be beaten, but we always fight and we never stop."

Scaroni said he wanted to give the World Cup victory to the Argentine people and thanked the fans for their support throughout.

For Argentina fans, football is not just football, the World Cup title is everything.

This team plays for the Argentine fans, all pulling in the same direction.

We fight for our country, it's the greatest honor and pride. Be happy now and everything in life will go on.