Martino’s resignation comes one week after Argentina lost on penalty kicks in the Copa America Centenario final and a month before the start of the Olympics. He took over following La Albicelete’s loss in the 2014 World Cup final and immediately had them back in a final, getting to the last match at Copa America 2015.
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But the failure to lift silverware on two occasions made the trainer a focus for criticism from many fans and observers, as Argentina’s title drought now stands at 23 years after they fell short in three consecutive finals.
According to sources, he spoke with Argentina federation (AFA) vice president Claudio Tapia on Tuesday to voice his displeasure over the problems the federation has been having with putting together the national team for next month’s Olympic tournament in Rio.
He had already suffered the disappointment of a second successive defeat on penalties by Chile in the final of the Copa America held in the United States that marked the centenary of the tournament.
Messi complained before the final in New Jersey of a lack of AFA support for the squad and said he would go into detail afterwards but has not spoken publicly since announcing his worldwide retirement.
Martino, who took over as Argentina coach after the 2014 World Cup, led the Albiceleste to 19 wins, three losses and seven draws.
He led the team to the Copa America final a year ago and again last month in the centenary edition.
Segura still managed to attend the Copa Centenario final in New Jersey, but Federation Internationale de Football Association stepped in and ordered a committee to take over the AFA.
Martino spent two years as Argentina manager.
A host of other leading Argentina players are reportedly close to quitting the national team, although there has been no confirmation of further retirements.
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As of now, Argentina has only nine players in its Olympic squad, and the president of the Argentine Olympic committee has hinted he may not send a team. There were also reports that Martino had not been paid for months. There is first the matter of qualifying for the World Cup, which brings the national team back to the current crisis.
