Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has said that the World Cup would not be the same without Argentina and added that he hopes the Albiceleste can improve after their 3-0 loss to Brazil.

"I watched the match against Brazil and it is clear that we did not play well," he told ESPN Radio in Argentina. "One hopes that with the level of players we have, that the team can function better and have good results.

"But at the end of the day, I am absolutely confident. I cannot imagine a World Cup without Argentina."

The White Hart Lane manager would not be drawn into criticism over the coaching style of current Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza.

"I want to be very respectful of what I see," he said. "It is very difficult to sit on the outside and find solutions and many times we sit and generate opinions that don't do the players or the national team any good. We must give them confidence and calm."

The former Argentina international, however, said he is not happy with the current political situation within his country's federation.

"From outside looking in one sees disorganisation and reasons for concern," he said. "The future does not look very good, especially short-term. Over the past few years we have been living through a complicated situation that affects the image of Argentina football in the world."

Led by Julio Grondona since the 1970s, the federation has been in turmoil since the late FIFA senior vice president died in 2014. FIFA is currently overseeing operations until elections can be held.

Pochettino said he would give the Ballon d'Or award to Lionel Messi.

"To me his by far the best player in the world, by a long margin," he said.