Lionel Messi told Argentina captaincy 'still belongs to him' despite injury woes as Rodrigo De Paul plays down prospect of deputising for Inter Miami star

Messi was left out of the Argentina squad as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia over the next week, having sustained an injury during their 2024 Copa America final victory.

The 37-year-old has been captaining the Albiceleste since 2011 and remains a vital part of Lionel Scaloni's team. Angel Di Maria was the man usually trusted to take the captain's armband in Messi's absence, but the former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker retired from international football this summer, leaving Scaloni with a decision to make.

Whenever Di Maria has had to leave the field as captain, he has handed the armband to Atletico Madrid midfielder De Paul, who expects to be trusted to lead the team out when they take on Chile this week.

"I always say that I play the role that they give me," De Paul said when asked about taking on Messi's responsibilities. "It's been many years. I feel like an important player in this team. That's all I can say. Afterwards, we know that the armband belongs to Leo. Whoever has to wear it will be circumstantial because he is the captain of this team."

Argentina are at the top of their qualifying group with 15 points from six games and with Uruguay just two behind them, they will be anxious to beat Chile and Colombia to protect their lead even without Messi. The iconic attacker, meanwhile, is training again and hopes to make his Inter Miami return in mid-September.