Barcelona’s new captain following Messi’s departure

Since the announcement of Lionel Messi’s departure, a topic of constant discussion has been the captaincy of the team.

Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, and Sergi Roberto now become the first, second, and third captains of the side by default. However, the spot of the fourth captain was available for grabs, and it remained to be seen who inherited it.

The fourth captain of the side was revealed during the traditional squad presentation ahead of the Joan Gamper trophy last night. And indeed, as many expected, Jordi Alba was the one chosen.

Over the past few months, two names have constantly popped up in the captaincy discussion: Marc Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Alba.

The first clue to the puzzle was revealed when ter Stegen was called onto the pitch first, in the order of the jersey number.

Further, Sergio Aguero was called immediately after Ansu Fati (who will continue wearing the No.17). With Jordi Alba not coming out of the tunnel in the order of his number, his appointment as captain was almost ascertained.

When it came to the turn of announcing the four captains, the left-back sprinted onto the field first, thereby cementing the position.

Alba is no stranger to wearing the captain’s armband. Last season, in a game where Messi, Pique, and Roberto did not play and Busquets had to be substituted, the 32-year-old took on the armband.

Moreover, when Sergio Busquets tested positive for Covid in the Euros, Alba was handed the captaincy for his national side.

With the added responsibility, the Spaniard has a new role to perform. Combined with the departure of his partner in crime, it will be a very interesting season for Barcelona’s No.18.