The manager of Inter Miami, Tata Martino has confirmed the appointment of Lionel Messi as the new captain of the MLS side on Monday, the 24th of June, 2023.
Messi, who made his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul will captain the Miami-based club going forward.
Quizzed if the ex-Barcelona man will continue as captain of the club, Martino expressed emphatically, “Yes, he will be.”
Tata Martino said: “The other day he was captain too, when he entered. Yes, he will be.”
The 36-year-old takes over the mantle of leadership of the Miami based club from Brazilian midfielder, Gregore, who is currently battling a long-term injury.
Lionel Messi scored a delightful free-kick on his debut with the Herons, a goal that generated lots of reactions on social media.
The Argentine is expected to start the clash against Atlanta United alongside Sergio’s Busquets, both players who were introduced in the 54th minute of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul.
Messi will be representing the Herons in the company of two of his teammates at Barcelona in Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Reports are also circulating that Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez are also edging closer to joining Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi snubbed a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in June, 2023 opting to pen a deal with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
The forward left Paris Saint Germain at the end of the 2022/23 season, following the expiration of his deal with the club.
Has Messi previously been captain of any club?
The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner has got leadership experience, having previously captained Barcelona during his time in Spain.
Messi is also the captain of Argentina and he led his nation to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
After his arrival to Miami, the MLS and Inter Miami have continued to reap immense dividend from his incoming as Major League Soccer continues to garner attention all around the world.
The Herons will culminate their two-game group stage encounters on Tuesday when they welcome Atlanta United to the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Tata Martino’s side will be hoping to advance to the knockout stages of the League Cup, a tournament which has a semblance with the FIFA World Cup.
The Leagues Cup features the entire clubs from America’s Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.
Meanwhile, as it had been earlier indicated, Gregore Magalhães, 29, who is currently in the treatment room previously wore the captain armband and it remains to be seen if he will get the captaincy back when he returns to action.
Is it a mystery that Lionel Messi has been made Inter Miami captain?
Lionel Messi is currently the poster boy in Major League Soccer and at Inter Miami and little wonder he has also been made captain, not forgetting his immense experience at the top level.
The 36-year-old has also shown his immesurable leadership qualities in little time spent at the club by dedicating the Herons victory against Cruz Azul to teammate Ian Fray, who picked up an injury during the encounter.
