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• Argentina captaincy 'still belongs' to Messi, says De Paul

  Rodrigo De Paul says the Argentina captaincy "still belongs" to Lionel Messi despite his extended injury lay-off.

  The Inter Miami star has been out of action since the Copa America final due to an ankle injury and will not be involved in Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

  Messi is still a key part of Lionel Sclaoni's plans with the national side, and he played in all but one of their games at that tournament, though only registered one goal and one assist for the tournament. 

  Angel Di Maria retired from international duty after their Copa America triumph and was the usual deputy to Messi, who has captained Albiceleste since 2011.

  With neither of those two available, it is expected that De Paul, who has 69 international caps, will wear the armband against Chile, but he has played down the idea of deputising for Messi.

  "I always say that I play the role that they give me," De Paul said.

  "It's been many years. I feel like an important player in this team. That's all I can say.

  "Afterwards, we know that the armband belongs to Leo. Whoever has to wear it will be circumstantial because he is the captain of this team."

  Argentina are currently top of their qualifying group with five wins from six games. Meanwhile, Messi is back in training again and is expected to make his return in MLS later this month.

• Whitecaps sign free agent Armstrong after Southampton departure

  Stuart Armstrong has completed a move to the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps following his exit from Southampton at the end of last season. 

  Armstrong, who made 214 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, has signed a two-year deal and will join fellow Scotland team-mate Ryan Gauld at the club, having previously played with him at Dundee United.  

  The 32-year-old was part of Steve Clarke's Scotland side during their dismal display at Euro 2024, featuring once as a substitute in their 1-0 defeat to Hungary.

  He played 42 times in the Championship for Russell Martin's side last year, scoring five goals and adding seven assists, but missed the play-off final with a hamstring injury.

  During his four-year stint at St. Mary's, Armstrong made 149 appearances in the Premier League and will provide an experienced midfield option for head coach Vanni Sartini.

  “We are very excited to welcome Stuart and his family to Vancouver,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director, Axel Schuster. 

  “He is a player who has excelled for many years at the highest levels in the United Kingdom, as well as internationally with Scotland.

  "He brings experience, tactical awareness, positional flexibility, and a very high work rate.

  "In addition, his passing range and elite chance creation from the midfield position will add another dimension to our team’s overall attack."

  The Whitecaps currently sit fifth in the Western Conference table, with Armstrong potentially in line to make his debut this weekend against FC Dallas. 

• Chelsea confirm Angelo exit to Al-Nassr in £19.4m transfer

  Angelo Gabriel has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Chelsea. 

  Angelo has signed a five-year contract with the Saudi outfit, who are captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, for a reported £19.4million transfer fee. 

  Chelsea have also included a sell-on clause as part of their agreement with Al-Nassr.

  The 19-year-old Brazilian arrived at Stamford Bridge last year from Santos in a £13m deal, but spent last campaign on loan with Strasbourg. 

  He made 25 appearances in all competitions, notching four assists, but only 11 of his 22 league outings came as starts as he missed the end of the term with a groin injury. 

  Angelo became the 11th permanent departure from the club as the Blues ended their transfer window with a net spend of £46.5m.