Inter Miami CF coach Tata Martino has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will be the new captain of the club, speaking to the media on Monday. The announcement was confirmed by Martino after Messi's recent debut in Leagues Cup 2023, where he scored a stoppage-time free-kick to clinch victory against Cruz Azul.
The 2022 World Cup winner wore the armband against the LIGA MX side when he entered the pitch, and will now continue to for the foreseeable future. Martino confirmed as such to reporters on Monday explaining that "The other day he was (captain) too when he entered. Yes, he will be."
The reins of captaincy have been passed from Brazilian midfielder Gregore, who held the honour until a foot injury recently relegated him to the sidelines for an extended period. Whilst it is hardly surprising that one of the greatest players of all time will indeed captain the MLS side, it will be the first time since his departure from FC Barcelona that he'll formerly be the first-choice captain of a club side.
Messi - evidently - needs no introduction to the captaincy role. The Argentine was confirmed as Barça captain for the 2018-19 season following the departure of Andres Iniesta, and had been holding a vice captain role since 2015 for the Catalonian side.
For the Argentina national team Messi became captain at the age of 24, he has overseen a Copa America win, paired with the Finalissima and topped off with this year's FIFA 2022 World Cup win as well as reaching the final in 2014.
We'll see the Argentine back in action tomorrow as **Inter Miami** face **Atlanta United** at DRV PNK Stadium in South 3 group.
