Lionel Messi has been assured that his status as Argentina captain is under no threat as Rodrigo De Paul stands in for the injured Inter Miami star.
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Messi absent from Argentina squad due to injuryDe Paul to be named captain against ChileSays armband will go back to Inter Miami heroWHAT HAPPENED?
Messi was left out of the Argentina squad as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia over the next week, having sustained an injury during their 2024 Copa America final victory.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 37-year-old has been captaining the Albiceleste since 2011 and remains a vital part of Lionel Scaloni's team. Angel Di Maria was the man usually trusted to take the captain's armband in Messi's absence, but the former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker retired from international football this summer, leaving Scaloni with a decision to make.
Whenever Di Maria has had to leave the field as captain, he has handed the armband to Atletico Madrid midfielder De Paul, who expects to be trusted to lead the team out when they take on Chile this week.
WHAT DE PAUL SAID
"I always say that I play the role that they give me," De Paul said when asked about taking on Messi's responsibilities. "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."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?
Argentina are at the top of their qualifying group with 15 points from six games and with Uruguay just two behind them, they will be anxious to beat Chile and Colombia to protect their lead even without Messi. The iconic attacker, meanwhile, is training again and hopes to make his Inter Miami return in mid-September.
