Messi named Inter Miami captain

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be named captain of the MLS club.

The Argentinian football superstar had a spectacular debut for Inter Miami over the weekend, scoring a match-winning free kick in stoppage time during their Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul.

During his debut, Messi took the captain’s armband off DeAndre Yedlin when he came on as a substitute. The 36-year-old recently completed his move to Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, signing a contract for two-and-a-half seasons with an option to extend for a further year in the 2026 season.

Despite interest from his former club Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, Messi chose to make the move to the U.S. He has reunited with his former boss Martino at Inter Miami, who was appointed as the club’s head coach in June. Additionally, Messi is joined by former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at his new club.