Lionel Messi is likely to call time on his international career after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and there has been lots of debate on who betray him.
One of the players whose name have been mentioned is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and he’s willing to fill in.
Fernandez is not looking to become the Albiceleste’s next iconic No.10, but admits that he would welcome the opportunity to inherit captaincy duties from his iconic countryman.
Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Enzo Fernandez. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old midfielder told GIVEMESPORT of his personal ambition: “On a personal level, of course, I dream of captaining Argentina, but that decision doesn’t come down to me. It’s up to the coaching staff. Of course, I dream of being the Argentina captain.
“I don’t know when it might be. Time will tell, and it’s up to the coaching staff to make the decision. It’s certainly one of my dreams, and I’d be honoured to wear the captain’s armband.”
Fernandez starred alongside Messi as Argentina savoured World Cup glory in 2022, with best young player of the tournament honours coming his way at 20 years of age. He is ready to go back-to-back in the World Cup-winning stakes.
The Chelsea midfielder added: “We’ll try to defend it and win it again, which is what this national team must do. The Argentine people are so passionate and we always want more. Our mentality is that we deserve to defend our World Cup crown and have a great tournament, which means winning it.”
Messi will skipper his country at another major tournament, having previously led them to two Copa America crowns and World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. He has earned 196 caps and scored 115 goals.
A second World Cup success would help to cement Messi’s legacy as the greatest of all-time, Fernandez and his team mates are determined to deliver one more wild celebration.
Fernandez said: “Winning the World Cup is in the past now, and we are focused on what lies ahead. We know it could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll aim to defend our crown from Qatar as a team. We’ll do our best to retain it.”
