Argentina deserved to make Copa America final, says Scaloni

After a 2-0 semifinal loss to Brazil in the Copa America semifinal, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said his side deserved a victory.

Argentina players applaud the fans after their loss to Brazil in Wednesday's Copa America semifinal.

Lionel Scaloni felt Argentina deserved to win its Copa America semifinal against Brazil after suffering a 2-0 loss on Tuesday.

Argentina had its chances in Belo Horizonte, but fell after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino for Brazil.

Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi hit the woodwork for Scaloni's side, who enjoyed plenty of possession after the hosts opted to sit back having gone 1-0 up.

RELATED| It was 'bulls***' – Messi blasts refereeing after Argentina's Copa America loss

Scaloni, who was unhappy with the refereeing amid suggestions Argentina could have been awarded two penalties, felt his team deserved a place in the final.

"On merit, the team that should have gone to the final was Argentina," he told a news conference.

"We were superior to Brazil."

Scaloni added: "We showed that this group of players feel the shirt like nobody [else].

"We leave an image for the future of this national team and a very good way forward."

RELATED|  Brazil 2 Argentina 0: Jesus helps host into first Copa America final since 2007

Aguero hit the crossbar after Jesus' opener, while Messi struck the post in the second half, before Firmino's sealer.

Asked about his future at the helm, Scaloni – in his first management job – said it was not the time to discuss his position.

"I don't think it's time to talk about it, because that's the least of my worries right now," he said.

"I want to be with my players and share this hard moment."