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Javier Mascherano retires: Argentina star in tears after World Cup defeat to France
JAVEIR MASCHERANO has retired from international football after Argentina crashed out of the World Cup.
Mascherano played in Argentina’s stunning 4-3 defeat to France in Kazan today.
The ex-Barcelona player - now at Chinese side Hebei China Fortune - confirmed after the match that he will not play for Argentina again.
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"It's time to say goodbye,” he said with tears in his eyes.
"This is football, many times what you want does not happen.
“The important thing is to have nothing to reproach yourself with.”
Mascherano, 34, has been a mainstay in the Argentina side for years.
It's time to say goodbye
He was part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in 2014 before they lost 1-0 to Germany.
The defender has only just moved to the Chinese Super League after a successful stint with Barcelona.
His departure from the Argentina set-up is not expected to be the last.
Lionel Messi may now also quit after the 31-year-old played what is likely to be his last World Cup.
The Barcelona superstar has already retired once from international football - in 2016 - before being coaxed back into the side.
Jorge Sampaoli may also be sacked as Argentina manager following the shock World Cup exit.
Sampaoli’s men laboured to reached the World Cup in Russia this summer after a disastrous qualifying campaign.
And in the group stage they drew with Iceland, lost 3-0 to Croatia and snuck into the last-16 with a late 2-1 win over Nigeria.