After two consecutive Copa America final defeats and turmoil in the Argentinian Federation, Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino today announced his resignation from his post.
The AFA announced Martino resigning
The AFA announced the decision, which had been rumored since the loss to Chile in New Jersey, on their website this afternoon.
"The coaching staff of the national team has decided to submit his resignation on the day of the date.
Due to the lack of clarity in the designation of new authorities of the Argentine Football Association and the serious drawbacks for forming the team that represents the country in the next Olympic Games, the coaching staff of the national team has decided to submit his resignation on the day of the date."
This news is another blow for the AFA. Since the loss in the Copa America Centenario final, star Lionel Messi announced his international retirement, the federation has been threatened to be banned from FIFA amid government intervention, and several key players besides Messi have threatened to also retire. Also, a bomb threat saw the AFA headquarters evacuated seven days ago.
Messi is also done with the AFA
Messi announced his decision to never play for Argentina in the mixed zone after the loss to Chile on penalties, his third loss in a final in three years.
"The national team is over for me," Messi told reporters on television. "I'm taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this."
He added: "I've tried so hard but I'm leaving without managing it. It's been four finals. The national team is not for me. It's difficult at the moment to do any analysis [about my national team future].
Since the final both Messi and Javier Mascherano have announced their decisions to retire from international football, while stars Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Agüero, Pocho Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria, and others have considered their futures on the national team.
Martino had successful stint as Argentina's manager
Martino spent two years as Argentina manager, taking over from Alejandro Sabella after Argentina's loss in the 2014 World Cup Final to Germany in extra time. In his two years in charge, Martino guided Argentina to two Copa America finals, where the blue and white lost to Chile on penalties on both occasions.
Martino leaves Argentina with a good position in World Cup qualifying for 2018, they’re in third place in the CONMEBOL table, two points behind Uruguay and Ecuador.
It is unlikely there will be a replacement appointed any time soon due to the ongoing situation with the AFA, including the need for a new president and the lack of funds.