Javier Mascherano retires from international football following Argentina's elimination

Javier Mascherano has reportedly announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's elimination from the World Cup on Saturday.

La Albiceleste came out the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller in Kazan and Mascherano – who would have missed any potential quarter-final with suspension – said it would be his last.

The former Barcelona midfielder told Deport TV: "Personally, for me now it's over. From now on I'm just one more Argentina fan."

34-year-old Mascherano was a World Cup finalist in 2014 and has won two Olympic gold medals, as well as winning the Champions League twice.

The San Lorenzo native, who currently plays for Hebei China Fortune, has represented River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham United, Liverpool and Barcelona during his 15-year playing career.

Mascherano won 147 caps for Argentina in total, scoring three goals, and played in four World Cups, wearing the captain's armband at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.