Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano has denied speculation that he could be set to retire from international football.
The 31-year-old was involved in Argentina’s recent Copa America campaign, which ended in final defeat to Chile on penalties.
It was reported following the match in Santiago that the former Liverpool man was considering focusing all of his efforts on club football, but in a message on social media Mascherano denied that this was the case.
“I just want to clarify that any speculation or rumour about my continuity in the Argentine national team, it's a lie,” the midfielder wrote on his official Facebook page.
“It's all very recent and very painful to take any decisions right now. It would also be very selfish of me to be thinking about my personal situation after the heavy blow of losing another final.
“As it has always been in my career, when I have something to say, I'll do it personally.
“Anyone who speaks in my name should not be taken into account. I would have liked not having to refute any rumours but I´m doing it, so there's no confusion.”
