The former Barcelona tactician took the job following the 2014 World Cup. He coached La Albiceleste in the two most recent Copa América editions.

The Argentinean National Team has been handed another serious blow after their Copa América Centenario loss last month, as coach Gerardo Martino has decided to step down as La Albiceleste's tactician.

Following a meeting with officers from the Argentinean Football Association (AFA), Martino handed in his immediate resignation as the team's manager, which included him coaching the Argentine Men's team playing in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Martino's resignation comes one week after Lionel Messi decided to retire from International duty, following a third consecutive final match upset with La Albiceleste.

Apparently, Martino had a falling out with AFA's execs due to their failure to call up players for the Olympics. Added to the problems faced by the U-23 team, a series of questionable decisions by the Association forced Martino to bid farewell to La Albiceleste.

Gerardo Martino, pictured alongside Lionel Messi, during a Copa América match with Argentina.

In a short press release, Martino revealed the reasons why he chose to step down.

"Due to the lack of clarity in the designation of new authorities of the Argentine Football Association and the serious drawbacks for forming the team that represents the country in the next Olympic Games, the National Team's coaching staff has decided to submit its resignation," the press release states.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Martino and his coaching staff hadn't collected a paycheck for the past seven months.

Martino coached only 29 games with La Albiceleste, winning 19 and losing only three times. Despite putting up solid numbers, the former Barcelona coach was under constant pressure, especially after losing two consecutive Copa América finals against Chile.