Former Argentine international Javier Saviola has waded into the debate regarding the future leadership of La Albiceleste, identifying 31-year-old Leandro Paredes as the primary candidate to inherit the captain’s armband from Lionel Messi. As the legendary forward enters the twilight of his record-breaking career, discussions have intensified over who possesses the temperament and authority to lead the national team into a new era.
Since 2011, when he first captained the side in a narrow friendly victory over Venezuela in Kolkata, Messi has been the gravitational center of Argentine football. His tenure has been defined by an extraordinary trophy haul, most notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup and consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. While the 38-year-old icon remains the incumbent leader, and manager Lionel Scaloni is actively working to ensure his participation in the 2026 World Cup, the inevitability of his retirement has forced a search for a successor.
In an extensive dialogue with Marca, Saviola highlighted Paredes—a veteran with 76 caps and a shared history of recent tournament triumphs—as a figure with the necessary gravitas. While mentioning other core squad members like Julián Álvarez, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, Saviola was particularly emphatic about the Roma midfielder’s credentials.
“Paredes possesses a strong personality. He has demonstrated his capabilities over the past few years and has the potential to become an exceptional captain. Julian, Tagliafico, Dibu, I believe that is where the focus should be,” he stated.
Paredes, who integrated into the senior setup in 2017, has been a foundational element of the squad’s recent golden period. Whether Messi decides to lead the team one last time in North America or steps aside sooner, the infrastructure for a transition of power appears to be taking shape around experienced figures like Paredes.
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