Lionel Messi should not be considered Argentina's scapegoat after World Cup 2014 final loss, says Jose Mourinho



Chelsea boss insists the Argentina captain is not to blame for defeat



He appeared via webcam to discuss the World Cup final on Yahoo Sports World Soccer Live

Mourinho questioned the decision to take off Ezequiel Lavezzi at half-time



He said Messi should be respected 'more than ever' following the final



Portuguese coach highlighted Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle's role in Germany's win, and said the whole 'Chelsea family is very proud of him'

Jose Mourinho says Lionel Messi should not be considered the scapegoat after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Germany.

The Argentina captain had a chance to replicate the achievement of Diego Maradona in 1986 by leading his team to the World Cup trophy, but they fell at the final hurdle as Mario Gotze scored late on for Germany.



When asked if he thought Messi should be a scapegoat for this, Mourinho said: 'Not at all. I think in the first half he had fantastic options.

Scapegoat? Mourinho insists Messi is not to blame for Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Germany Respect: Mourinho says Messi should be respected more than ever following the defeat at the Maracana

Giving his views: Mourinho gave his thoughts on the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany

'I would like to know why Lavezzi stayed in the dressing room at half-time,' Mourinho told Yahoo Sports World Soccer Live shortly after the final ended at the Maracana.

'Argentina had been playing with two lines of four, with Enzo Perez closing Phillipp Lahm and Lavezzi doing the same on the other side. Because they were so compact Messi could walk while defending and then when he got the ball he had the energy to make the difference.

'When Sabella brought Aguero on for Lavezzi, Argentina changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 and they lost a lot of balance. Messi had to run much more after Lavezzi went off.



'The team lost balance and especially energy - energy that they needed in extra-time.'



Impetus: Mourinho says Argentina lost energy and shape after Sergio Aguero replaced Ezequiel Lavezzi

Killer blow: Messi stands with his head bowed as Argentina restart after Germany's late goal VIDEO In form Messi scoring goals for Argentina

Mourinho said Messi deserves respect 'more than ever' after Argentina came so close to being crowned world champions.



'It's easy to respect him when he has won but when he has lost, it's not so easy,' the Portuguese coach said.



'He is still a historical player. He does not need to be world champion to be a historical player, especially in this last decade.

'For me Pele is Pele and Maradona is Maradona. It's not for me to compare players from different generations. Maybe because he is from the same generation as when I was born - for me Maradona is Maradona.'



Giant-killers: Costa Rica beat Italy and Uruguay and took Holland to penalties in the quarter-finals

When asked what his favourite moments of the tournament were, the Chelsea boss said: 'I will need to look forward and think about what I will remember in 20 years' time.



'Costa Rica killing as many giants as they did. For a negative reason Luis Suarez's situation with Giorgio Chiellini.



'Obviously the 7-1 Brazil-Germany game will be remembered forever. And obviously Gotze's goal because it gives Germany the cup.

Match-winner: Gotze's volley past Sergio Romero in extra-time won the World Cup for Joachim Low's side Rock-a-bye-baby: Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle cradles the World Cup trophy in his arms

'I can also say my player is a world champion [Andre Schurrle] and he was involved in the move for Gotze's goal.



'The Chelsea family is all very proud of him.'



Mourinho, who is a Global Ambassador for Yahoo Futbol, appeared via satellite link from London to give his thoughts on the showpiece final.