MOSCOW, June 30 -- Argentina's press lamented the end of an era and questioned whether Lionel Messi would play in another World Cup after the Albiceleste's 4-3 loss to France on Saturday.
The result dumped two-time winners Argentina out of football's flagship tournament while France advanced to the round of 16 in Russia.
"Argentina lost to France and are eliminated. It is the team's worst performance at a World Cup since 2002," La Nacion said on its web portal.
Ole wondered if five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had the desire to play in another World Cup.
"With Argentina eliminated, the big question is whether Leo, already at 35, will go to Qatar in 2022," it said in an editorial.
The newspaper praised the performance of teenage forward Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice, devastating Argentina with his raw pace and power.
"France proved too much and gave us a reality check," Ole said. "It was a great match which went from 2-1 to 2-4 in the space of 11 minutes. Mbappe tore it apart. We hope this isn't the end for Messi."
Clarin said: "The dream is over: France showed no mercy toward Argentina and sent the team home. There was an angel overlooking Argentina which kept the team in the match until the end. But the result was inevitable."
It suggested the team would need to be rebuilt immediately with a new generation of young players.
"The last tango was in Kazan and it is time for a period of reconstruction," the newspaper opined. "The defeat to France marks the end of the cycle of a generation of players."
It added that Argentina had done well to reach the final of three major tournaments in recent years - the 2017 World Cup, the 2017 Copa America and the 2016 Copa America - despite having won nothing.
"Here [in Russia] we saw an indomitable Mascherano, pure heart and leadership. But it wasn't enough. Messi was bright and dark. Angel Di Maria was on and off. But there was no team, no game. There was courage and embarrassment until the powerful France put things in their place," it concluded.
Screen time leads to bigger waistlines
University students seek to ace art of love
New family planning rule to create mini baby boom
Hershey hits sweet spot with deal for China confectionery Golden Monkey
Chang'e-3 success sparks star-gazing craze
Smokers on trains to face big fines
Candid exchange key to Biden's visit
Erupting volcano forces villagers to flee in Indonesia
Group claims Tian'anmen attack
Thai rallies maintain pressure
South Africa commemorates Mandela with day of prayers
Experts say more seismic activity could still come
Survey shows holiday preference
Israel slams nuclear agreement with Iran
Ancient expertise provides answers to Sichuan river project
Dialogue 'key to relations'
Rupert Murdoch OKs 'amicable' divorce
Parents urged to supervise children's TV-viewing habits
Bar lowered for private pilots
Shenzhen facility for abandoned babies has skeptics
Parents say golfing teaches good life lessons
Delicious, festive holiday choices abound for expats
US Ambassador Locke to leave post next year
Students see benefits from courses in Romanian
PLO chief was 'not poisoned'
Moon rich in natural resources, experts say
China allows rouble in border city
Macao packs a big punch
Mixed grades for decision to push back English classes in Beijing
200 foreigners expelled from Beijing this year