MX23RW : Monday, May 13 20:53:17| >> :120:18943:18943:

Lionel Messi named new Barcelona captain

Lionel Messi named new Barcelona captain
© Reuters
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner and all-time club-record goalscorer Lionel Messi is named as the new Barcelona captain following Andres Iniesta's departure.

Lionel Messi has been confirmed as Barcelona's new club captain following the departure of long-serving midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Iniesta had worn the armband since Xavi's exit ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, although Messi has served as captain on numerous occasions in that time having been promoted to second skipper in 2015 too.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has now been named as the team's primary captain, following in the footsteps of the likes of Carles Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta as La Masia products to be handed the honour.

Indeed, all four members of Barcelona's leadership team hail from the club's academy, with Sergio Busquets being promoted to second captain, Gerard Pique being named as third captain and Sergi Roberto taking over from Javier Mascherano as fourth captain.

It is the first time since 2014-15 that all four of Barcelona's captains have been La Masia graduates.

ID:333056: cacheID:333056:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1935:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Andres Iniesta in action for Barcelona in December 2016
Read Next:
Andres Iniesta's greatest Barcelona XI
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad341412848351354
8Valencia35139133739-248
9Villarreal35139135960-148
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!