Lionel Messi has been named the new captain of Barcelona following Andre Iniesta’s departure from the club at the end of last season.
The Argentine skipper, who was a deputy to first-choice captain Iniesta for the 2017-18 season, will now take over the arm-band after the Spaniard ended a 16-year long association with the Catalan giants and joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
It was announced on Friday that Messi will be first of the four new captains for the 2018-19 season followed by Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, and Sergi Roberto.
Messi had been Barcelona’s second-captain since 2015 and had skippered the Blaugrana on numerous occasions but now will have an added responsibility after been named the permanent captain. He also wears the armband for his national team Argentina.
It will also be the first time since the 2014-15 season that the quartet of captains is all products of the famed La Masia academy. Four seasons ago the appointment of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Busquets had achieved the same feat.
Messi will have the first opportunity to lift a trophy when Barcelona take on Sevilla in the Spanish Supercopa this Sunday.
Meanwhile, Barcelona lost just one match in the victorious La Liga campaign last season and also won the Copa Del Rey. They were left disappointed in Europe after the quarter-final exit against Roma.
This season, However, Ernesto Valverde has bolstered the squad with four new additions in Malcom, Arthur, Clement Langet and Arturo Vidal. All of who may play the opening encounter on August 18.