Messi's Argentina: A World Cup Squad Full of Captains

As Lionel Messi prepares to lead Argentina into his sixth World Cup, La Nación reflects on his enduring legacy and the unique leadership he embodies. Messi, who has captained the national team for 18 consecutive World Cup matches since taking over from Javier Mascherano in 2011, is more than just a player; he is the measure of time for Argentine football. His journey from a shy individual to an unquestionable leader, always prioritizing the national team, is a testament to his unwavering commitment.

This upcoming tournament in the United States and Mexico will be Messi's last dance on the world stage. He captains a generation that has posters of him on their walls, a generation that has learned leadership by his example. His captaincy style, rooted in a profound sense of belonging and putting the team above all else, is infectious. Unlike the more flamboyant leadership of Diego Maradona, Messi's influence is quieter yet equally powerful, growing organically as he matured into the role.

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When he matured, when he saw that it was his turn, he started. He waited for the moment, and when he saw that it was his moment to lead these guys forward, he did it. He was very intelligent. When he didn't feel it, he wasn't a leader. Perhaps he thought: 'What if I cause trouble…?' He didn't want to, he just wanted to play football… let the others sort it out. Until he felt that yes, it was his turn.

What makes this Argentine squad particularly fascinating, as observed by La Nación, is the presence of numerous other captains within the team. Players like Nicolás Otamendi, nicknamed 'El General,' and others such as Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel, who lead their clubs with passion and intensity, form a collective of leaders. This creates a remarkable dynamic where no one questions Messi's captaincy, even in a team brimming with strong personalities and established leaders. It's a testament to Messi's unparalleled stature and the respect he commands, allowing him to lead from the front while being supported by a formidable group of fellow captains.

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There are clubs where the armband is not on the right arm, it has happened to me, but in this case it is on the arm of someone who is a true captain and assumes it as such.