Rio  de Janiero: Lionel Messi's failure to win the World Cup with Argentina 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.