Lionel Messi earned the right to wear the captain's armband for the Argentina national team not only due to his superstar status and on-field performances but also for his leadership during the final stages of his career. However, at the age of 38, Messi seems close to passing the baton.
Now, Enzo Fernandez has emerged as a potential candidate to lead the Argentina national team. During Lionel Scaloni's tenure, the captain's armband has rarely changed hands, with other players temporarily stepping in only when Messi didn't play or started on the bench.
However, Enzo Fernandez has not been among those who had taken the opportunity in such moments. Now, the Chelsea midfielder has openly expressed his dream of becoming a leader for the Argentina national team.
"I dream of becoming the captain of the Argentina national team, but that decision lies solely with the coaching staff. It would be a great honor for me," Fernandez said in an interview with GiveMeSport.
Enzo Fernandez also spoke about preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico: "I think this could be Messi's last World Cup. We will do everything in our power to help him and defend the title." Enzo Fernandez has quickly risen to prominence in the football world.
He initially played for River Plate, then showcased his talents at Benfica, and became one of the key players for the Argentina national team during the 2022 World Cup. Now playing for Chelsea, he shares the captain's duties with Reece James, and at 24 years old, he aims to achieve a similar status with the Argentina national team.
Lionel Scaloni took charge of the Argentina national team as head coach in 2018 following an unsuccessful World Cup campaign in Russia. During his tenure, Messi has been the captain in 61 of the team's 90 matches.
Following Messi, Angel Di Maria (9 matches), Nicolas Otamendi (8 matches), and others have also donned the armband. In the current squad, only Otamendi, Tagliafico, and Cristian Romero have had a chance to wear the captain's armband in Messi's absence.
However, given the fact that both Messi and Otamendi are in the final stages of their careers, Enzo Fernandez could emerge as the primary candidate for this role in the future.
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