Doha, December 18 (QNA) - Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed pride for winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 following his side 4-2 victory on penalties over France in the final match on Sunday at the Lusail Stadium.

In the post-match press conference after the historic win, Scaloni said, "I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything." "I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group," he added.

"With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, its a historic moment for our country." Regarding Messi's retirement from international football, Scaloni said, "We need to save him a spot for the next World Cup. If he wants to play, he'll be with us." "He's more than entitled to decide if he wants to play on with Argentina or whatever he wants to do with his career," Scaloni added.

"It's a pleasure to coach him and for his teammates to play alongside him. Everything that he transmits to his teammates is something I have never seen before. He is a player who gives so much to his teammates." The 44-year-old took charge of Argentina in 2018. (QNA)