MEXICO CITY, June 24 - Mexicans cried on Saturday after exiting the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Argentina but took heart from a display that forced one of the tournament favourites to struggle into extra time.

Mexican police unclipped handguns to control dozens of angry local fans who chased down a car load of Argentines celebrating in a drive around the capital. No shots were fired and the local supporters retreated.

Screams rang out in homes and cantinas across the country with Mexico's every attacking move, but they were silenced by a spectacular extra time goal from Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez and the tears began to flow.

"We did not deserve to lose and we were not the favourites, but we gave Argentina the fright of their lives," said Martina Vega, a 21-year student, rubbing her tear-streaked face painted with the colours of the Mexican flag.

At one cantina in Mexico City dozens of stricken fans wiped blurry eyes, although for others the defeat was relief from the soccer frenzy that has taken over the nation.

"I'm eight months pregnant and this sort of nerves might force me to rush to the hospital so to be honest I'm half glad we are out and I can go home and do breathing exercises," said Maria Martinez, 29, a nurse.

Mexico has taken part in 13 World Cup finals and is one of the tournament's perpetual under-achievers. Its best performances came in 1970 and 1986, when they made it to the quarter-finals.

Wild celebrations by whole families crammed into bars in Mexico City erupted after a sixth minute goal by captain Rafael Marquez. Argentina equalised minutes later but Mexican hopes were kept alive by one of the team's best performances in years.

A left foot volleyed goal from Rodriguez eight minutes into extra time finally broke the tie and Mexicans had their heads in their hands, certain their team was on its way home early again.

Argentina go through to the quarter-finals to play hosts Germany on Friday.

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