Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has revealed his ambition to one day captain the national team, admitting it would be a dream to inherit the armband currently worn by Lionel Messi.
The Chelsea star, who emerged as one of Argentina’s key players during their victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, said leading the reigning world champions remains one of his biggest personal ambitions, although he acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff.
Speaking in an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Fernandez said he hopes the opportunity comes in the future.
“On a personal level, of course, I dream of captaining Argentina, but that decision doesn’t come down to me; it’s up to the coaching staff. I don’t know when it might happen, time will tell. It’s certainly one of my dreams and I’d be honoured to wear the captain’s armband,” he said.
With Lionel Messi approaching the closing stages of his international career, discussions have intensified over who could eventually lead Argentina into a new era. Fernandez has increasingly become one of the central figures in the squad following his rapid rise since the 2022 World Cup.
Despite his ambitions, the midfielder was full of admiration for Messi and described sharing a dressing room with the Argentina captain as a privilege.
“He’s different. He’s the greatest of all time, so it’s a privilege to share the dressing room with him,” Fernandez said.
The 25-year-old added that Messi had been his childhood idol and admitted that playing alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the highlights of his career.
Fernandez’s breakthrough came during Argentina’s successful campaign in Qatar, where he progressed from substitute to first-team regular and finished the tournament with the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Reflecting on his development since then, Fernandez said he has matured both as a footballer and as a leader, crediting his club environment for helping him improve daily.
“I feel more mature and more of a leader. I keep working on my weaknesses and improving every day. I’m happy with my role and hope to continue showing that growth,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Fernandez said Argentina remain determined to defend their title and potentially give Messi a memorable farewell if the tournament proves to be his final appearance on the international stage.
“We’ll try to defend it and win it again. Winning in 2022 is in the past now. We know this could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll do everything possible as a team to retain the title,” he said.
Argentina are scheduled to begin their title defence against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in the remainder of their group-stage fixtures.