World Cup
farewell
for legends of the game
Russia 2018 was the international swansong for some huge names...
Javier
Mascherano
World Cup debut:
10 June 2006
Argentina 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire
17 July 2003 / Argentina 2-2 Uruguay
20 games / W12, D4, L4
Last-ditch challenge against Arjen Robben in 2014 World Cup semi-final
Final game
for Argentina
30 June 2018
France 4-3 Argentina
Russia 2018 Round of 16
It's time to say goodbye. I hope that in the future these boys can achieve something.
Javier Mascherano, after announcing his international retirement
Keisuke
Honda
World Cup debut:
14 June 2010
Japan 1-0 Cameroon
(Honda scored in the 39th minute)
22 June 2008 / Japan 1-0 Bahrain
11 games / 4 goals / W3, D3, L5
Scored match-winner on World Cup debut against Cameroon
Final game
for Japan
2 July 2018
Belgium 3-2 Japan
Russia 2018 Round of 16
We have a lot of good young players. Now it's their turn to write the history of Japanese football.
Keisuke Honda, after announcing his international retirement
Andres
Iniesta
World Cup debut:
23 June 2006
Saudi Arabia 0-1 Spain
27 May 2006 / Spain 0-0 Russia
14 games / 2 goals / W8, D3, L3
Scored winning goal in 2010 World Cup Final
Final game
for Spain
1 July 2018
Spain 1-1 Russia AET (3-4 PSO)
Russia 2018 Round of 16
Everything has a beginning and an end. Sometimes not all farewells are as you expect, as you wish.
Andres Iniesta announcing his international retirement
Rafael
Marquez
World Cup debut:
3 June 2002
Croatia 0-1 Mexico
5 February 1997 / Mexico 3-1 Ecuador
20 games / 3 goals / W8, D4, L8
Became only third player to appear at five World Cups, by playing v Germany
Final game
for Mexico
2 July 2018
Brazil 2-0 Mexico
Russia 2018 Round of 16
For now I think I will enjoy some free time. My future will surely be working in football.
Rafael Marquez announcing his international retirement
Miss any of the legends' final moments?
Watch their international swansongs, with our exclusive video highlights.
HIGHLIGHTS