The Albiceleste was defeated 4-3 by France after a thrilling knockout match in Kazan, despite leading 2-1 early in the second half.
Browsing: Javier Mascherano
The 34-year-old was unable to intervene as a stunning Kylian Mbappe double inspired Les Bleus to an incredible comeback victory and announced after the game that he has called time on his national team career.
Mascherano told reporters at a press conference that Messi, who missed a penalty against Iceland, is frustrated at being unable to put in a solid performance in Russia so far.
Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his game plan following a 3-0 loss to Croatia in Argentina’s second group game at the World Cup, sparking rumours the 58-year-old would be sacked during the tournament.
The loss to Croatia, Argentina’s heaviest in a World Cup group stage match since 1958, put the 2014 runners-up in serious danger of a first round exit before Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Iceland gave them a lifeline.
With Javier Mascherano making his 143rd appearance to put him one ahead of Javier Zanetti as Argentina’s most capped player, Messi got the opener from the penalty spot after 17 minutes.
On what was supposed to be a historic night for Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who joined Javier Zanetti on 142 caps as his country’s record appearance holder, things quickly turned sour as Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas also found the net.
Early goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi calmed the nerves at the Nou Camp on Thursday
Coutinho, who has been handed the number 14 shirt vacated by China-bound Javier Mascherano, had been sidelined by a thigh injury since his drawn-out transfer saga came to an end on January 6
The move was confirmed following an announcement from the Argentine’s previous employers that Mascherano was leaving Spain after more than seven years
The friendly match between Russia and Argentina will take place at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium on November 11.
The 33-year-old helped Argentina book their place in Russia when they came from behind to beat Ecuador 3-1, thanks to Lionel Messi’s superb hat-trick.
Neymar has been linked with a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £195 million, and his walkout now looks to have made that move even more likely
He has been accused of four separatects from 2011 to 2014.
The 32-year-old is one of the most capped players in Argentina history and his retirement will be a huge blow to the Argentina national team, especially after Messi’s departure
However, the footballer is set to avoid spending any time behind bars
The Argentine was handed a straight red card in the 83rd minute of the La Liga contest after seemingly exchanging words with the referee’s assistant
With initial projections suggesting Neymar could miss up to six weeks of action, the 22-year-old was considered a doubt for Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Elche on August 23