Argentina facing a miserable, Messi exit

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia - Lionel Messi's frustrating international career may be coming to an early and anti-climactic finish after Argentina's worst loss in the group stage of a World Cup in 60 years on Thursday.

With Diego Maradona watching from the stands, the 2014 runner-up was routed 3-0 by Croatia, which moves into the last 16.

Messi managed just a single shot on goal in a defeat that pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination. The Barcelona superstar, who turns 31 on Sunday, has never won a major title with Argentina's senior team despite of decade of championships with Barcelona and five world player-of-the-year awards.