A strange end to Karim Benzema's strange international career following World Cup

Karim Benzema didn't play a single minute at the World Cup. He announced his international retirement yesterday. Benzem has 97 caps and 37 goals for France. He is 10th and 5th on the all-time France men's list. His only winner's medal came from the 2021 Nations League. France didn’t have a major internal row during the tournament. It's a good moment. The only problem is that Benzeme didn's play for almost six years. If this is indeed the end of his national career, it's one of the oddest. he's been one the best strikers in the world in a period when France have won the Cup and won it.

FIFA's latest rankings are due this week. Brazil are still the best team in the world. Morocco are up to 11th, England are fifth, Spain are 10th and Germany are 14th. Wales have dropped nine places and Denmark eight. Belgium are the fourth best side in world, as usual. Karim Benzema's international career ended with World Cup. He is no longer an international player. He played for France. They won't play for him anymore.

It's 3 am in Argentina and the open-top bus parade has already begun.

Argentina won the 2002 South American qualification. They played 18 games, won 13 of them and lost just once. Then they lost to England, couldn't beat Sweden and didn't get out of the group at the World Cup. Brazil won.

Lionel Scaloni has been successful as a coach since taking over from Marcelo Bielsa. He made some key changes after the opening day defeat to Saudi Arabia. He replaced Lautaro Martinez up front with Julian Alvarez and brought in Enzo Fernandez in midfield.

Jesse Marsch is a guest columnist at The Athletic. He thinks Argentina won the World Cup because of their hard-working, grassroots attitude. Marsh didn't watch the final with his friends. He was watching the Leeds United friendly against Real Sociedad on Friday when the game ended. Karim Benzema has left the France national team.

Karim Benzema has been called up to the France squad. Aberdeen and Rangers are playing in the Scottish Premiership.

Karim Benzema has left France after World Cup.