Javier Mascherano, Argentina’s most-capped player (147 appearances) has retired from international football after the 4-3 loss against France on Saturday in the World Cup.

Speaking after the game, the 34-year old said, “It’s time to say goodbye.”

“I hope that all the lads who follow in my footsteps can achieve what they are aiming for. There are no more illusions for me,” he told Argentina’s TyC sports channel.

Mascherano made his international debut in 2003 and went on to appear 147 times for his country.

The veteran midfielder though also received a yellow card in the last-16 game against France.

Mascherano departed from Barcelona after playing 334 games for the Catalan club and joined Herbei China Fortune, a club in the Chinese Super League.