Iniesta elected Barca skipper

Andres Iniesta has been installed as captain of Barcelona after a vote among the squad saw the Spaniard nominated to take over the armband from the departed Xavi.

Iniesta was one of three vice captains last year, but has now been handed the main role.

Lionel Messi will be second captain for the 2015-16 season after hitting 56 goals in 56 games last season. Messi and Busquets have each moved up a place in the pecking order – along with Iniesta – while Mascherano has been brought into the fold for the first time.

Spanish defender Gerard Pique was the fourth captain last season but now he has been replaced by Argentine worldwide Javier Mascherano.

Iniesta wore the armband for much of last season with Xavi only playing a bit-part role as Barcelona won the treble, with the Spain global skippering the side in their Champions League and Copa del Rey final wins. The results of the secret ballot were announced by the club earlier today though the confirmation and official appointment will be made only after getting the approval of the coaching staff, including manager Luis Enrique.

Iniesta is certainly deserving of the honour having spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, winning seven La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues since making his debut in 2002.