Mexico captain Rafael Marquez claims his side deserve to be regarded among the world's elite after their performance against Argentina.

A game of superb quality ended with Argentina winning 2-1 after extra-time to go through to the quarter-finals - but not before Mexico had given them a real scare.

Mexico are ranked fourth in the world by FIFA and only four of the 23-man squad play outside of the country - but Barcelona defender Marquez said they had proved their worth.

"We played so well and unsettled Argentina," said Marquez. "I'm not trying to look for silver linings, but Mexico found their true level in that game.

"A lot of coaches will look at that game and be impressed and I think that will help other Mexican players to come and play in Europe."

Bolton Wanderers have striker Jared Borgetti in their ranks and Mexico's showing might lead to more Mexicans plying their trade in the Premiership.

Maxi Rodrigues' stunning injury-time volley gave Argentina victory but Mexico's devastated players believed they deserved more from the game.

Striker Jose Fonseca said: "We are disappointed because we performed well and still lost. I don't think Argentina were better than us. Rodriguez scored a great goal, but we do need to look at why we keep getting knocked out in the second round in World Cup finals."

Midfielder Pavel Pardo added: "Defeats such as this one really hurt. Mexico played as well as Argentina, we were never worse than them, and we deserved more. It's a shame because the team had shown in this World Cup that we were ready to go far."