‘Got stuck & nobody helped’ – Lionel Messi’s nervous first team talk as Argentina captain explained by ex-Man Utd & Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron

Messi, who now has eight Ballons d’Or and a record-breaking collection of major honours to his name, was two days away from celebrating his 23rd birthday when first being asked to skipper his country. That honour was bestowed upon him at the 2010 World Cup by iconic countryman Diego Maradona.

Messi took the armband for a group stage meeting with Greece, as the likes of Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze were rested, and was charged with the task of delivering an inspiring pre-match speech. He is now well versed in such demands, but struggled a little with nerves some 14 years ago.

Veron has told Clank! of witnessing Messi’s first words as Albiceleste captain: “He got stuck at some point. It's normal. It's not easy to speak in front of a group, especially in that situation. We didn't help him. It turned out well.”

Messi has previously said of having to get to grips with life as an on-field leader: “The first time I was captain it was difficult for me to speak in the locker room. I'm not one to talk much, I think that everyone knows what to do on the field and the importance of the game ahead. I'm a captain in my own way. I had to grow up somewhere. [Carles] Puyol wasn't one to give talks or harangues either.”

Messi is currently skipper of MLS side Inter Miami. He also fills the armband with Argentina and has guided them to Copa America and World Cup glory. There is no sign of him bowing out any time soon, at 36 years of age, and has more major silverware to chase down with club and country in 2024.