The Argentine is proud to pull on the armband and hopes he can fill the big shoes left by the departing Andres Iniesta, while leading Barca to glory
Lionel Messi says following in the footsteps of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Carles Puyol is an honour and being taught by the trio stands him in good stead as Barcelona's new captain, with the aim of bringing the Champions League trophy back to Camp Nou.
Messi, already captain for Argentina although reports have suggested he could step down from international duty, takes over the role after Iniesta departed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe.
The Barca forward gave the traditional captain's address to the Camp Nou crowd ahead of Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Boca Juniors.
"First of all, I want to say that for me it is a great pride to be the captain," Messi said.
"I know what it means to be the captain of Barca, but I had great teachers like Puyol, Xavi and the great Andres, who we will miss this year."
Messi said making up for last term's shock loss to Roma in the Champions League is top of his agenda, Barca having collapsed from 4-1 up after the first leg to exit on away goals at the quarter-final stage.
"Regarding this year, I think we have set a platform to get excited, the signings that came will help us a lot to be better than we were.
"Although last year we won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, we all got stung in the Champions League.
"We promise that we will do everything possible so that this beautiful cup returns to the Camp Nou again."
Sterzil
168
That's a very huge promise Leo, but I won't doubt him and if Barça win the cup I won't be surprised they are much more better than they were last season their recent performance has been really impressive!! but it won't be that easy after all other club are still after that aim he's eyeing for.... But I believe Leo Is a very good player when he gets he's game on he simply can't be stopped and him as captain he's serious as ever and I know fans would have a very good reason to smile this year ☺
zeoabilmyz
117
King Messi has spoken, and it's sealed , signed and delivered . Barca all the way .
Tijan_milla
66
Well this year is gonna be tough! With Reald Madrid out to prove they can do better without their goal machine,and Juventus' morale boosted by the arrival of CR7,coupled with other hungry European clubs..i'll say again its gonna be tough! But we are surely behind you capitán!🙌..Make it happen! Make us proud once again! Forca Barca!💪
muzzanganda
55
He promised copa America -he missed a penalty and Argentina lost to Chile He promised world cup -He missed a penalty and Argentina lost to Croatia He has now promised the champions,................. Fill in the missing gap
BabaNla_14
43
Wow Messi is vow to win UEFA Cristiano Ronaldo league this season 😱 ,let see if he will allow u to win it.
Champthe1
41
Saying someone who have done nothing in the quarter finals since 2016 ( 3 UCL ).. He needs someone to the task for him and unfortunately suarez and own goal wasn't the one 😀😂😁😂😁 But sorry Barkalona you have to come home after quarters again 😀😀😀 Your team belongs to Copa del Rey 😀😀😂😁😂😂😂😂😂😀😮😣