Andres Iniesta succeeds Xavi as Barcelona captain

Xavi Hernandez’s move to Al Sadd created a vacancy among the Barca players’ leadership and Iniesta was elected by his peers.

Messi and Busquets moved up a place in the hierarchy so a fourth name was was required.

Mundo Deportivo say the vote was essentially between Mascherano and Gerard Pique, as Pedro Rodriguez, a long-serving player, is set to leave for Manchester United.

Dani Alves wasn’t in the voting pool because, at the time it became clear Xavi was to leave, the right-back was expected to go as well.

Pique had previously spoken of his desire to be a Barca captain but Mascherano had the backing of Luis Enrique, who had praised the Argentine’s leadership qualities, but wasn’t part of the vote, which was restricted to players.

Enrique told a pre-Joan Gamper Trophy Press conference that he was "happy" with the choice of Mascherano.

Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

In a world full of easy decisions, perhaps this one is the easiest. With Xavi departing the club at the end of last season, it was always likely Andres Iniesta would succeed him. Some people may wonder why Messi has not been given the nod, but leadership comes in other forms. Like Carles Puyol and Xavi before him, Iniesta represents a culture, and a people. Messi may be the brains of the operation, but Iniesta represents the beating heart of Barca. Hugely popular with Barca's fan base, like Messi, he is also fortunate to be one of the world's greatest players.