Argentina legend Javier Mascherano has retired from international football after crashing out of the World Cup today.
The 34-year-old midfielder revealed his decision in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's 4-3 last-16 defeat by France.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the final whistle, Mascherano said: "It's time to say goodbye and for the younger players to step in.
"Hopefully in the future these kids can achieve something. Now I'm just one more fan of the national team."
Argentina had come from a goal down in Kazan to lead 2-1 lead early in the second half but France rallied to seal a 4-3 victory, Kylian Mbappe's second-half double proving decisive.
Mascherano, who has played at four World Cups, made his debut for Argentina in 2003 and has made a record 147 appearances for his country.
je5erson
503
So Mbappe made him retire in less than an hour after the match๐๐๐๐
Isanka
415
I wish france to get in to the final...and loose like hugee 5:0 in the bottom of my heart.... whoever comes theirs opponent... they will win like 5:0... then france will understand my mind right now
Madrista_forever
312
wait there is a wholesale retirement today or tomorrow 1.Mascherano 2.Messi 3.Di Maria 4.Higuain 5.Sampoli 5.Baldy GK 6.otamendi 7.Aguero may be let's wait and see the drama ๐๐
kinglionelmessi
271
I wish france to get in to the final...and loose like hugee 5:0 in the bottom of my heart.... whoever comes theirs opponent... they will win like 5:0... then france will understand my mind right now
mate they played well and deserved to go through... control emotions and think logically... we fought really ... till last... and i am happy eith their performance... they were so weak... but ended up their journey proudly... i am proud of them... good luck to france...
black magic
242
good bye legend... uh will be always remembered for what you did for Argentina... love from Nepal.. World cup dreams come to an end
MuhammadAsif
119
legends never die Argentina and Brazil are father of football.win or lost a part of game.but Argentina good team and the good player's on a other side France all goal made by Argentinian defense totally failed.but Argentina all goals kicked very beautifully.
Ronabmprtu
69
mate they played well and deserved to go through... control emotions and think logically... we fought really ... till last... and i am happy eith their performance... they were so weak... but ended up their journey proudly... i am proud of them... good luck to france...
i totally agree with you brother. i too am a hardcore Argentinean fan!!! they played against one of the two best defence line-up in this worldcup. Coming into this game France had conceded just 1 goal and that too from a spot kick. considering the form that Argentina was in before today's game; to have scored 3 goals against France itself is a great achievement. This match will be referred to as one of the classic encounters in world cup history in years to come!!! We might have lost but team Argentina went out fighting and gave us 90+ minutes of entertaining football game!!! vamos argentina!!!
Nuzbclos
58
Messi don't retire now. Plan together with your coach & assist for future talent. scout harder & suitable players will be identified. Don't be a coward coz of this loss. It happens my dear
Oscar-KellysParker
44
I dnt get it seriously cus most of these high profile players will alwz shutdown the curtains on their international careers when things are not moving on well ...i just dnt get it ....when U qualified frm the group stages it was not ur intention yet immediately u guys where beaten by France u called off ur international duties. hmmm ..all the best in future JAVIER !!!!
Nigeria1110427
30
It is good that bone cracker Javier Mascherano has decided to retire from international football. Good riddance to bad nuisance.
jicainor
28
France on the average has a much younger team and Mbappe showed strength and stamina compared to the older Argentinean players. An example has been shown and many more players from Argentina should follow suit. I like all the current Argentina players but they must say goodbye to football and make space for up & coming players. From Papua New Guinea!
Nigeria1110427
17
To be frank I pity Messi who never won any title for his country in his chequered history of football excellence. He however played for himself. That is the difference between him and Ronaldo. Sorry o.