Rodrigo De Paul says the Argentina captaincy "still belongs" to Lionel Messi despite his extended injury lay-off. (More Football News)
Rodrigo De Paul says the Argentina captaincy "still belongs" to Lionel Messi despite his extended injury lay-off
Rodrigo De Paul says the Argentina captaincy "still belongs" to Lionel Messi despite his extended injury lay-off. (More Football News)
The Inter Miami star has been out of action since the Copa America final due to an ankle injury and will not be involved in Argentina's upcoming World Cup ꦫqual💝ifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Messi is still a key part of Lio🌼nel Sclaoni's plans with the national side, and he played in all but one of their games at that tournament, though only registered one goal and one assist for the tournament.
Angel Di Maria&𝓰nbsp;retired from interna🧸tional duty after their Copa America triumph and was the usual deputy to Messi, who has captained Albiceleste since 2011.
With neither of those two available, it is expected that De Paul, who has 69 international caps, will🌳 wear the armband against Chile, but he has played down the idea of deputising for Messi.
"I always say that I play the role that they give 🃏me," De Paul said.
"It's been many years. I feel like an impo𓃲rtant player in this team. That's all I can say.
"Afterwards, we know that the armband belongs to Leo. Whoever has to wear it wil🐎l b♒e circumstantial because he is the captain of this team."
Argentina are currently top of their qualifying group with five win💎s from six games. Meanwhile, Messi is back in training again and is expected to make his return in MLS later ♕this month.