WATCH: Nicolas Otamendi hands Lionel Messi the captain’s armband after insisting he DOESN’T want it

Otamendi scored the only goal of the game.

WATCH: Nicolas Otamendi hands Lionel Messi the captain’s armband after insisting he DOESN’T want it

Messi and Otamendi. (Via ESPN)

Lionel Messi returned to International duty on Friday. The World Cup winner has been nursing an injury in recent weeks which kept him out of action for club Inter Miami. He missed 4 games in a row for the club owned by David Beckham. However, the #10 was called up by Lionel Scaloni for the 2026 World Cup Qualifier games and La Pulga made an appearance for Argentina against Paraguay.

Lionel Messi made headlines yet again in spite of being unable to provide a goal or assist. Initially, Messi started on the bench since he was returning after tending to an injury. However, he was subbed on for Julian Alvarez in the second half. The crowd erupted in cheers as he was subbed on. The cameras also captured a special moment between him and his compatriot Nicolas Otamendi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOVA9k1FlUA&pp=ygUWYXJnZW50aW5hIHZzIHBhcmFndWF5dA%3D%3D

Messi was seen gesturing to Otamendi that he did not want the captain’s Armband. However, Otamendi rushed to Messi and handed him the same. Leo was seen sporting a cheeky smile as he was given the band.

FS Video

Fans on Twitter were quick to notice the same, and have praised the player for his humility and humbleness. Argentina saw off Paraguay thanks a goal from Otamendi.

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Argentina tackle Paraguay to go top of the Table

Argentina took on Paraguay in the World Cup Qualifiers on Friday. Lionel Scaloni‘s side maintained their winning streak after the World Cup thanks to a 1-0 win. Nicolas Otamendi was captain of the game after Lionel Messi started on the bench. Argentina wasted no time from the start. Captain Otamendi put his side in front through a spectacular volley in the 3rd minute.

Argentina defender Otamendi's Goal vs Paraguay
Otamendi’s Goal vs Paraguay (via X/@ESPNFC)

Otamendi came through with the captain’s goal. He met Rodrigo De Paul‘s corner with a spectacular first-time volley. His shot bounced off the turf before flying past the Paraguay keeper and defense. The cameras showed an ecstatic Lionel Messi on the bench. Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul put in good performances.

After coming in for Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi also came close to scoring. The #10 nearly scored from an ‘Olympic’ corner. However, Carlos Coronel punched the ball out at the last moment.

Moreover, fans and the player agonizingly saw his curved Free-kick hit the post and go out of bounds. The game ended 1-0. Brazil drew 1-1 against Venezuela, meaning Argentina rose to 1st position.

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