Lionel Messi succeeds Andres Iniesta as Barcelona skipper

Spanish giants Barcelona have announced that Lionel Messi has been made as the team's skipper on permanent basis following the departure of Andres Iniesta earlier this year. Messi, who assumes a similar role with his national team Argentina, was the second-choice till last season.

For most parts of the past three seasons, Messi filled in as the captain whenever Iniesta did not play, or was substituted. But now that the Spanish midfielder is gone, the Argentine will take over the responsibility. 

Further, Sergio Busquets has been appointed as the second captain of the team, meaning he shall wear the armband whenever Messi is missing from the field. The third and fourth captain are Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto respectively.

Earlier in July, the La Liga fixtures were announced, and defending champions Barcelona were given a home fixture against Alaves as their first opponent. For the first time in a decade, Barcelona will play a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Real Madrid in an El Clasico, following the Portugese's transfer to Juventus.

Ronaldo ended his nine-year long association with the Spanish club, and moved to Seria A champions for a reported fee of 88 million pounds. He won an astonishing 16 trophies at the Spanish capital, scoring an incredible 450 goals during his time.

The two teams will first take on each other at Camp Nou on October 28, 2018. The reverse fixture, which will be held at Santiago Bernebeau, is scheduled to be played on March 3, 2019.

Apart from this, the other major derby is Real vs Atletico Madrid. The two teams will meet at Santiago Bernebeau on September 30, before meeting again at Atletico's new stadium, Wanda Metropolitano on Feb 10, 2019.

Real Madrid, who finished third last season, will also be playing at home, as they take on Getafe. Atletico Madrid, runners-up in 2017/18 seasons, will begin their campaign at Mestalla as they take on Valencia.

Also, this season will be the 10th campaign in which Messi would be donning the No.10 jersey of Barcelona. He took over the shirt from Ronaldinho on July 24, 2008, and has guided his club to unreal heights.