Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta announces international retirement after Russia defeat

Spain's Andres Iniesta, left, leaves the pitch after the round of 16 match between Spain and Russia at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Russia eliminates Spain 4-2 on penalties after game ends 1-1. (AP Photo/David Vincent)

LONDON: Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from international football following Spain’s loss to Russia in a penalty shootout at the World Cup.
Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, played 131 times for Spain.
He was surprisingly benched to start the round of 16 game against Russia but went on in the second half with the score at 1-1.
The score remained 1-1 after extra time and Russia went on to win 4-3 on penalties to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The 34-year-old midfielder has signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe after spending his entire senior career at Barcelona.