India, July 3 -- Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football after his team's exit from the World Cup following a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the Round of 32. The 35-year-old confirmed his decision during his post-match interview, bringing an end to a 12-year-long international career. Mahrez would be 39 at the time of the next World Cup in 2030, and when asked whether the loss in Vancouver could be his final World Cup appearance, he replied: "It's my last appearance, even with the national team. It was my last game."

"The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach. [But] we conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that."

Mahrez created a...