Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, regarded by many as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT), has dropped a big hint that he could retire from international football for a second time.

Messi had earlier retired from international football in 2016 immediately after the COPA America final loss to Chile before making a dramatic U-turn two months later.

In his latest interview, the Barcelona talisman disclosed that he could retire from international football if his beloved Argentina flop in Russia

In his words, Messi told TyC Sports that: “If we do badly at the World Cup, we all have to disappear from the national team.

“It’ll be difficult for some to stay on.” he added.

One man that is certain to call time on his national team career is Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The former West Ham United and Liverpool man has also been linked with a move away from Barcelona due to limited playing time.

On his friend and pal, Messi said: “Mascherano? I’m not going to tell you what he told me, but I’ll understand if he leaves, he wants to play more.

“I understand Masche. The best thing is to play and enjoy yourself, and he doesn’t think he’ll get minutes here.” he further stated.

Speaking about his recent bench role at Barcelona, Messi added: “Bench role? It’s hard for me not to play or to be subbed off, but I realised and understood that it was for the best.”