Germany coach Joachim Loew said the youth and speed was the key to their lopsided victory.
"Argentina are an experienced and aggressive side but they are inconsistent in defence," said Loew. "The German team are young and speedy enough to take advantage of their defensive loopholes."
Loew's more famed counterpart lamented the dashed dream but said he was proud of leading the Argentine team.
"We gave the Germans too many ideas," said Maradona, who also praised Messi as "a great player", disclosing that his heir apparent cried at the locker room.
Messi, the most shinning star in world arena, had to go home empty-handedly. He did not score a single goal in the World Cup.