Argentina's coach to stay with national side

Gerardo Martino directs his team against Chile during the second half in the championship match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at MetLife Stadium, Jun 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES - The coach for Argentina's national soccer team, Gerardo Martino, will continue with the side and lead the Under 23 team through the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

The news came from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Monday, putting an end to rumors of Martino's possible resignation after his team lost the 2016 Centennial Copa America to Chile on Sunday in the United States.

The coach faced his second consecutive frustration in the regional soccer tournament after Argentina lost the final to Chile back in the 2015 edition.

Both matches ended 0-0 after extra time and then Chile went on to take the title in the penalty shootout.

According to the AFA, from next Monday, Martino and his coaching team will begin working with the Under 23 national side ahead of their participation in the Olympic Games in August.

The first practice session will take place at 15:00 local time (18:00 GMT) at the Ezeiza training ground, on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Since Sunday's defeat to Chile, soccer star and Argentine captain Lionel Messi has announced his resignation from international soccer due to the lack of results.

The team, including the forward, arrived in Ezeiza's international airport on Monday evening and from there they were transported to the AFA's headquarters.