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Lionel Messi succeeds Iniesta as new Barcelona captain for upcoming season

WION Web Team
Barcelona, SpainUpdated: Aug 11, 2018, 12:11 PM IST
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File photo of Lionel Messi. Photograph:(Reuters)

Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto will lead Barcelona in the upcoming season, the club announced.

Messi has had the role of second captain since 2015 but now he will be the first captain and Sergio Busquets, who has been one of the captains since 2014/15 will be the second.

Pique, who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut for the first team is third in line to wear the famous armband. 

Sergio Roberto, who takes over the role from the departed Javier Mascherano is the fourth.

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As per the official statement: "The Argentine takes over the role following the departure of Andres Iniesta to Japanese club Vissel Kobe. The former Barca midfielder had the job from the 2015/16 season when he took over from Xavi, who in turn had inherited the position from the retired Carles Puyol."

Messi will lead Barca out in the Spanish SuperCup on Sunday against Sevilla.

Messi has already returned to the training session after scoring just once in Argentina's chaotic and disappointing World Cup campaign.