Javier Masherano Quits National Team

Argentine defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano has quit international duty following his team's elimination from the World Cup.

The Argentina's record appearance holder retired from international football following the 4-3 defeat to France at the World Cup on Saturday.

He said;

"The time has come to say goodbye, now I am just another Argentina fan," the 34-year-old Mascherano told Argentine television with tears in his eyes.

Mascherano played 147 times for Argentina and the loss to France was his 20th World Cup game from four trips to the finals.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder walks away after another failed attempt to win the World Cup in the Lionel Messi era.

"This story is over," he added.

"We gave everything right up to the last."