Argentine midfielder hails captainship of Lionel Messi

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi congratulates France's forward Kylian Mbappe (R) at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between France and Argentina at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Luis Acosta / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi congratulates France's forward Kylian Mbappe (R) at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between France and Argentina at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Luis Acosta / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi captainship with Argentina hailed by superstar teammate

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has stated that Lionel Messi is a fantastic captain and a leader. He mentioned that he would go to war for the Barcelona captain and that he is a source of inspiration and motivation.

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Lionel Messi was first handed the captain’s armband in 2011 for the Argentine National football team. He is also the captain at Barcelona for quite a while now. De Paul is an attacking midfielder who plays for Udinese in the Serie A. The 26-year-old has been a regular for the Argentine National team for over a year and it looks like he has taken quite a shine at the Barca legend’s captainship qualities.

De Paul who earned his first cap for Argentina in 2018, has stated that he would go to war for the little magician. He states that the Barcelona forward is down to earth and that his openness is the reason why all the players look up to him. The way Leo Messi is transparent with everyone else in the team is what makes him a good leader, according to the Udinese midfielder. The 26-year-old stated that rather talking about his achievements such as the Ballon D’or wins, the players would rather talk to the magician about his kids and family. That is the level of transparency the Barca no. 10 has set in the Argentine dressing room.

The 33-year-old may not look to have loud voice and a control over his teammates out on the pitch but De Paul’s statements suggest that he is looked upon by all the players. Tbe midfielder’s statements tell us that Leo is a fantastic leader and an inspiration for the rest of the teammates.

The Argentine is still the captain at Barcelona under the new manager Ronald Koeman, despite wanting to leave the club earlier this summer and while the start of this campaign has been successful, Messi is keen on helping his national team in the Copa America 2021 campaign.

Is Messi a great captain?