{"id":30207,"date":"2025-12-02T00:18:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T05:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T00:18:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T05:18:24","slug":"chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea&#8217;s Enzo Fernandes Eyes Argentina&#8217;s Captaincy as Messi\u2019s Heir Apparent?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/#Messis_Argentina_Record_Caps_and_Goals\" >Messi&#8217;s Argentina Record: Caps and Goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/#The_Next_Captain_Who_Will_Succeed_Messi\" >The Next Captain: Who Will Succeed Messi?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/#Argentina_Prepares_to_Defend_World_Cup_Title\" >Argentina Prepares to Defend World Cup Title<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/chelseas-enzo-fernandes-eyes-argentinas-captaincy-as-messis-heir-apparent\/#Will_Messi_Compete_in_the_2026_World_Cup\" >Will Messi Compete in the 2026 World Cup?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-col-cntr article-content mg-b-25\" style=\"width:100%;\" showslider=\"false\" use-external-image=\"false\">\n<div class=\"freeform-content\">\n<p class=\"ital ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6\">In collaboration with <img decoding=\"async\" height=\"20px\" src=\"https:\/\/b.fssta.com\/uploads\/application\/external-logos\/goal-dot-com-logo_black.svg\"\/><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Enzo Fernandes expresses his ambition to be Lionel Messi&#8217;s successor in the Argentina national team. The Chelsea midfielder, who dons the legendary number 10, says he would gladly take over the captaincy from Messi, which will become available for the latter&#8217;s last World Cup appearance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Messis_Argentina_Record_Caps_and_Goals\"><\/span>Messi&#8217;s Argentina Record: Caps and Goals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">The eight-time Ballon d&#8217;Or winner has yet to announce if he will participate in Argentina&#8217;s World Cup title defense in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next summer, although he is widely expected to do so after having already played his last international game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Messi will lead his country into another significant tournament, building on past successes including two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. To date, he has achieved 196 caps and netted 115 goals.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Next_Captain_Who_Will_Succeed_Messi\"><\/span>The Next Captain: Who Will Succeed Messi?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">The time is approaching for Messi&#8217;s departure. In his absence, a leader must emerge. Fernandes, who has held the captain&#8217;s armband at Chelsea, believes he is prepared to step into that role.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">The determined 24-year-old stated, &#8220;On a personal level, I certainly dream of captaining the Argentina national team, but that choice lies with the coaching staff. It&#8217;s a dream of mine, and it would be an honor to wear the armband.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">&#8220;I can&#8217;t predict when that might happen. Time will tell, and the coaching staff has the final say. It remains one of my dreams, and wearing the captain&#8217;s armband would be a great honor.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Argentina_Prepares_to_Defend_World_Cup_Title\"><\/span>Argentina Prepares to Defend World Cup Title<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Fernandes excelled alongside Messi during Argentina&#8217;s triumph at the 2022 World Cup, earning the tournament&#8217;s best young player award at just 20. He is eager to make a strong push for back-to-back World Cup victories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">The Chelsea midfielder remarked, &#8220;We aim to defend our title and win again. The Argentine people are passionate and always expect more. Our mindset is to protect our World Cup crown and ensure a strong tournament performance, which means winning.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">A second World Cup victory would solidify Messi&#8217;s legacy, and Fernandes along with the rest of the team are aware that they are approaching the conclusion of a remarkable career. They strive to create yet another unforgettable celebration.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Fernandes emphasized, &#8220;Winning the World Cup is part of our past, but our focus is on what lies ahead. We recognize that this might be Messi&#8217;s last World Cup, so we are committed as a team to defend our title against Qatar. We will do everything we can to keep the championship.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_Messi_Compete_in_the_2026_World_Cup\"><\/span>Will Messi Compete in the 2026 World Cup?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Messi indicated that he plans to join the Argentina national team next summer, but the enduring 38-year-old worries about not being in peak form following his transition from MLS to Inter Miami. &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to burden the team; I want to be in shape to contribute effectively,&#8221; he stated. &#8220;The season differs from the European one, with a pre-season and fewer games until the World Cup, but we&#8217;ll see how it unfolds.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">&#8220;Naturally, we realize this is the World Cup, a unique event, and it\u2019s the biggest tournament. So while we\u2019re excited, we\u2019re taking it one day at a time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Argentina&#8217;s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has left the possibility open for Messi to play for as long as he desires, ensuring that the iconic number 10 will not face premature retirement from international football. He played a crucial role in leading Inter Miami to a historic MLS Cup final in 2025, demonstrating that his game-changing prowess remains intact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the potential transition of leadership within the Argentine team, which could shape the future of international soccer. With Messi possibly playing in his final World Cup, fans are keen to witness both his enduring impact and the rise of new talents like Fernandes, which could define the sport for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In collaboration with Enzo Fernandes expresses his ambition to be Lionel Messi&#8217;s successor in the Argentina national team. The Chelsea midfielder, who dons the legendary number 10, says he would gladly take over the captaincy from Messi, which will become available for the latter&#8217;s last World Cup appearance. Messi&#8217;s Argentina Record: Caps and Goals The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[7436,1853,2391,1113,418,34,1308,40,7435,1854,46,45],"class_list":{"0":"post-30207","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-apparent","9":"tag-argentinas","10":"tag-captaincy","11":"tag-chelseas","12":"tag-enzo","13":"tag-eyes","14":"tag-fernandes","15":"tag-football","16":"tag-heir","17":"tag-messis","18":"tag-news","19":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30207","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30207"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30207\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}