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#3 Messi the Leader
Messi was handed the armband this season, with the departure of Iniesta and immediately won the Spanish Super Cup by defeating Sevilla 2-1. He looked like a leader on the pitch against Alaves too, taking responsibility, organizing play and inspiring his teammates. He led by example and created chances after chances in the game. He seems to have left the disappointment of the World Cup behind him and looked hungry and raring to go. Barcelona look to be in good hands because they have Messi leading them. Not your usual timid, smiling Messi, but a player who is out to prove a point, who refuses to give up.
Against a resolute Alaves too, Messi took matters in his hands and lifted Barcelona up on his own. This start has signs of another defining season for Messi, this time, as a Captain and a Leader.
