Messi ‘Argues’ With Otamendi Over Captain’s Armband for Argentina in Paraguay Win

• Lionel Messi made his return to Argentina's squad off the bench in their game against Paraguay
• He missed the win over Bolivia last month and was absent for most of Inter Miami's games since
• Messi shared a wonderful moment with Nicolas Otamendi over who should take on the armband

Argentina continued their perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, beating Paraguay 1-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 13.

Nicolas Otamendi was the difference between the two sides, with his volley in the third minute from a Rodrigo de Paul corner kick proving to be the winner.

The game also saw the return of the team's captain, Lionel Messi, who was introduced in the second half. He has struggled with fitness issues since walking off against Ecuador last month.

The Argentine veteran has hardly featured for his Inter Miami side, with the David Beckham-owned franchise getting knocked out of the Major League Soccer playoffs in his absence.

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Football

Messi argues about captain's armband

The former Barcelona captain was brought on in the 54th minute, replacing Julian Alvarez.

As it is tradition, the captain is usually handed the armband upon his introduction from the bench. It is not a rule and whoever was wearing the armband can remain with it for the entire game.

Otamendi started as the side's captain, with Messi watching from the bench.

As the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was being introduced, he made a gesture to the Benfica defender that he wasn't interested in taking over the armband.

However, the former Manchester City star declined Messi's offer and ended up 'forcing' the armband on him as they shared a wonderful moment together.

Messi returns Inter Miami armband to Yedlin

This is not the first time Messi has declined to take the armband. Previously, Sports Brief reported how Inter Miami's DeAndre Yedlin was gracious to Messi by relinquishing the captaincy to him.

The American right-back passed the captain's armband to the Argentine maestro on his debut against Cruz Azul and the leadership of the team had remained that way since until the Leagues Cup final.