Lionel Messi retires: List of other Argentine footballers who have followed their captain into retirement

New Delhi: Soon after the heartbreaking news of Lionel Messi's retirement from International Football, fellow Argentine stars Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano have also announced to have played their last match for the country.

As Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America Centenario final to defending champions Chile 4-2 on penalties, the world saw Lionel Messi in tears having lost out to his 3rd consecutive final for the Seleccion. But what came out as more agonizing was the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision to quit the national team. He was quoted saying,

“For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” Messi told reporters post-game, reports the BBC. He further added,

"I'm taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this. I’ve tried so hard, but I’m leaving without managing it."

Messi's decision to stick to club football will only probably influence other players too, with his fellow Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero are believed to have followed their captain out of the national team. This is what Aguero said, as reported by The Sun – UK,

"There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team.

"This is the worst locker room I've ever been in, worse than the final in the World Cup in Brazil and the other Copa America."

With what comes out as already a disastrous news for Argentine Football, more players are expected to follow the trio of Messi, Aguero and Mascherano out of International football. The names reported include that of, Gonzalo Higuain, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di María.

The players and everyone associated with the football team have to pick themselves up ahead very soon and start afresh. But if so many players actually leave, it is going to be one hell of the task.