"He is the captain from now on," Sabella told reporters ahead of Friday´s friendly against Venezuela at the 120,000-seat Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata.[break]
"We are looking to build a couple of options, looking for one or two players to build up a combination with him."
Argentina will look to start afresh after a disappointing show in the Copa America at home in July when they lost to eventual winners Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
The Copa failure cost Sergio Batista his job as national coach and led to the appointment of Sabella.
The FIFA-sanctioned friendly between the South American rivals, which comes before the two teams face each other in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers, will be the biggest football match ever played in cricket-mad India.
It is also the first for Sabella as coach and for Messi as captain.
"I am looking forward to have a great understanding with Messi. It´s important to build a good relationship with all the players," said Sabella.
"Football in Argentina is a passion and I know there is a lot of expectation from me from the supporters. It´s very important to make a good beginning.
"Winning will give us confidence. This is the beginning of a long trip ahead and hope it finishes with qualification to the World Cup."
Thousands of fans waited at Kolkata airport for two-time World Player of the Year Messi´s arrival early Wednesday, but he slipped past the chanting crowds without being spotted.
Sabella, 56, said the players were excited to play in India although the artificial turf at the stadium would be a new experience.
"We are not used to playing on artificial turfs. It´s not normal for us but we will try to adapt and play a good game," he said.
Venezuela´s coach Cesar Farias said the match was a good opportunity for his side to gain some practice ahead of the World Cup qualifier between the two teams in October.
"This is going to be an ideal preparation before we take on our stronger neighbours in October. Every time we play Argentina, we like to do well and this would be an opportunity to check our ability," he said.
"All of us have high regard for Messi but football is a team game. I´m sure our players will be able to give a good account of themselves."
The Argentina squad will travel to Bangladesh for another friendly against Nigeria on September 6. They will also play two games against Brazil ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
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