Former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team.

Mascherano, 34, stated this after Argentina crashed out of the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia following a 4-3 defeat to France in their last 16 clash.

The Hebei China Fortune midfielder was on for the entire duration of the game but was powerless to prevent the defeat.

Speaking after the defeat, Javier Mascherano said: “Now, I’m just another fan of the Argentina team. Hopefully in the future these kids will be able to accomplish something.”

Javier Mascherano made his debut for Argentina in 2003 and went on to play a record 147 times for the two-time world champions.