Lionel Messi has revealed his delight at being named Barcelona captain for this season.

“It’s a great source of pride to be captain of this team,” said Messi, who has been at the club since he was 13, rising through the ranks at La Masia and then on to the first team.

The 31-year-old was named skipper this summer after club legend Andres Iniesta departed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe, following his own successful 16-year spell in the famous Blaugrana shirt.

Messi has made 641 appearances for Barca, scoring an incredible 556 goals.