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Argentina’s Mascherano retires from international football after France World Cup defeat
Argentina defender Javier Mascherano confirmed his retirement from international football following his team’s 4-3 defeat to France in the World Cup last 16 in Russia.
Mascherano and Argentina suffered a turbulent World Cup campaign in Russia which came to an end in Kazan on Saturday at the hands of a French team inspired by teenager Kylian Mbappe.
The PSG teen badly exposed the Argentina defence, including Mascherano, 34, with his blistering pace.
After the defeat, Mascherano told DeportTV: "Personally, for me now it's over. From now on I'm just one more fan of Argentina."
Mascherano had played in each of his team’s four World Cup games in Russia, taking him to 147 caps for La Albiceleste.
The team's exit capped a tournament in which Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli faced constant criticism, with reports suggesting that key players Lionel Messi and Mascherano had effectively assumed team selection duties.
Mascherano made his debut for the national team in 2003, but has largely suffered disappointment in the legendary light blue and white, being a losing finalist in the World Cup in 2014 and four times in the Copa America.
He plays his club football in China for Hebei China Fortune, where he moved following a glittering career with Barcelona in which he won two Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles.