World cup news: Argentina’s new captain decided following Lionel Messi’s retirement

World cup news: Argentina's new captain decided following Lionel Messi's retirement appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

A few weeks ago, following a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer . Messi's retirement was also followed by his teammate and another senior player, Nicolás Otamendi.

While Messi left behind a closely knit and well-bonded Argentina , the squad lacked Messi's depth and leadership. With the departure of the Rosario native from the international squad, Argentina was left with one of its greatest challenges in recent times: filling the leadership vacuum.