Javier Mascherano has retired from international football after Argentina crashed out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage.
Mascherano decided to call it a day after their exit from the 2018 World Cup.
The 34-year-old has made his decision after representing his country 147 times. His final appearance came in Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to France. Argentina took a 2-1 lead early in the second half but three France goals in 11 minutes resigned them to their fate.
Immediately after the full-time whistle, Mascherano confirmed his decision to step away from the international game:
“It’s time to say goodbye, it’s time to support from outside. I hope that in the future these boys can achieve something.”
Mascherano left Barcelona earlier this year. He is now playing for Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League, where he is managed by former Wales boss Chris Coleman.
Like Mascherano, Messi’s career on the world stage is set to end without a major title to his name. Messi has tasted defeat in the final of the Copa America on three occasions. He previously announced his retirement from international football in 2016. But he reversed his decision ahead of qualifying for this year’s World Cup.
Before leaving, Mascherano made a record that he didn’t want to. He became the most carded player in the tournament’s history. Red and yellow cards were first introduced at football’s showpiece event in 1970. Having already been booked in a group stage meeting with Nigeria, Mascherano would have been suspended for the quarter-finals had his side made it through.
In being booked against France, Mascherano took his tally of World Cup cards to seven. He collected two at his first event in 2006, another two in 2010, one in a final defeat to Germany in 2014 and two in 2018. And, this is the most in the history of the World Cup. The 34 year old star had to leave with a lot of bitter memories in the end.