Argentina and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has revealed that he is aiming to succeed Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi as Argentina’s captain following the latter’s retirement.
Fernandez, who has cemented himself as one of the world’s most prominent playmakers of late, has tasted a lot of success with Argentina since his international debut. Three months after his La Albiceleste debut, he helped his national team lift the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2024 Copa America triumph.
Enzo Fernandez Admits His Desire To Succeed Lionel Messi
With the 24-year-old currently leading by example at Chelsea, he is expected to be one of the players in the fray to replace Messi as La Albiceleste‘s captain in the future. In a recent interview, he clarified that he is hoping to be considered for a leadership role by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
As Messi is likely to retire after next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina could face a captaincy vacuum in 2026. Chelsea ace Fernandez, meanwhile, has set his sights on replacing the 38-year-old.
“On a personal level, I dream of captaining Argentina. But that decision doesn’t come down to me. It’s up to the coaching staff. Of course, I dream of being the Argentina captain. I don’t know when it might be. Time will tell, and it’s up to the coaching staff to make the decision. It’s certainly one of my dreams, and I’d be honoured to wear the captain’s armband,” the River Plate academy graduate told GIVEMESPORT.
“My thoughts are on the present, though. Winning the World Cup is in the past and we are focused on what lies ahead. We know it could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll aim to defend our title from Qatar as a team. Let’s hope for a kind draw,” concluded Fernandez.
So far, Fernandez has netted five goals in 38 appearances for Argentina.
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Fernandez Heaps Special Praise on Messi
After making three substitute appearances for Argentina in 2022, Fernandez appeared in all seven of his side’s 2022 FIFA World Cup matches. He contributed a goal and an assist in Qatar, helping Lionel Messi complete his trophy cabinet.
Asked to opine on his World Cup-winning experience with the veteran, the Chelsea star told GIVEMESPORT, “I’m so proud that I was able to share that moment with him and win the World Cup alongside him, knowing what it meant to him and all of us. Of course, we all wanted to do it for him because it was the only sporting achievement missing for him. He’s a great person and I’m so proud to share these moments with him. He’s the greatest of all time.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is next set to be in action in Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 6.
