Lionel Messi will miss this month’s international break, which means Argentina needs a new captain for their upcoming fixtures.
The Inter Miami star has worn the armband for some years, with Messi leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and to this summer’s Copa America, with the 37-year-old picking up an ankle injury in the final.
With Messi soon to return for Inter Miami, there’s a real chance that the former FC Barcelona superstar could be back fit to play for Argentina in the October international break, providing the forward gets some minutes in MLS.
And substitute captain Rodrigo De Paul has shared how he feels taking the armband from Messi.
Rodrigo De Paul says Messi is still Argentina’s captain in spirit
Speaking to the press ahead of this week’s World Cup qualifiers, the Atletico Madrid midfielder shared that Messi remains the permanent captain for Argentina, with De Paul stating that his role this break is only temporary.
With Messi one of the biggest figures in Argentine history, it makes sense why the likes of De Paul still view the Inter Miami star as the captain of the national team, even if the forward isn’t with the squad.
And De Paul has shared how respectful he can be for Messi even when taking the armband off the veteran attacker, with the La Liga star keen to do his international teammate proud in Argentina’s upcoming games.
De Paul said: “I always say that I play the role that they give me. It’s been many years, I feel like an important player in this team, that’s all I can say. Afterwards, we know that the armband belongs to Leo. Whoever has to wear it will be circumstantial because he is the captain of this team.”
Messi could already be eyeing international return this year
Although teammate Luis Suarez has called time with Uruguay, Messi seems intent on returning to the international scene having won the Copa America this summer with Argentina.
And with De Paul stating that Messi is still the captain, there’s every chance that the Inter Miami star will be back this year playing for Argentina if fit enough to be selected and to compete.
Indeed, Messi is yet to call time on his international career despite his body catching up to him, and the attacker could suit up for Argentina later this year if the circumstances are right for the forward.