BUENOS AIRES, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Argentine President Mauricio Macri on Saturday expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the national team after they were eliminated by France from the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"Sad though very grateful to the players who gave their all. Today the French beat us well," he said through Twitter.

France prevailed 4-3 in Saturday's exciting game. A penalty converted by Antoine Griezmann in the 13th minute, a glorious volley from Benjamin Pavard (minute 57) and two goals from Kylian Mbappe on 64 and 68 minutes, sealed the game for Les Bleus.

Argentina fought hard, scoring through Angel Di Maria (minute 41), Gabriel Mercado (minute 48) and Sergio Aguero (minute 93), but could not find a fourth.

France will now face Uruguay in the quarter-finals.