Cristian Romero Named Argentina’s Next Captain After Lionel Messi
Cristian Romero has been confirmed as Argentina’s next permanent captain, with Lionel Scaloni selecting the Atletico Madrid centre-back to take over when Lionel Messi ends his international career.
Romero chosen to lead Argentina after Messi
The 28-year-old defender, widely known as Cuti Romero, had been third in Argentina’s leadership order behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi. Scaloni has now moved early to establish the succession plan before Messi’s final appearance for the national side.
- Romero has previously captained Argentina when senior leaders were absent, including against Chile.
- He also wore the armband in friendly matches against Venezuela and Mauritania.
- Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez remain options to captain the team when required.
- De Paul will miss Argentina’s next two matches.
Scaloni made his decision clear as he set out the new hierarchy: “The captain will be Cuti. He was already third captain after Leo and Ota. Emiliano can wear the armband too. Rodrigo, who will not be in these two games, can wear it. Lautaro can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”
Di Maria backs Scaloni’s call
Angel Di Maria has endorsed the appointment, backing Romero to handle the responsibility of leading the world champions into the post-Messi era.
“He deserves it,” Di Maria said. “It is a great decision by Scaloni and the coaching staff. He is a great person, with the character needed to wear the armband, and I am sure he will do a great job.”
The former Argentina winger also urged fans to stay behind the squad as the team prepares for a major leadership change.
“I am happy that the people keep supporting the national team, because they will certainly continue to give us joy,” he added.
What happens next
Argentina will play Bolivia and Burkina Faso before Messi’s scheduled final international outing against Benin on October 6.
- Bolivia and Burkina Faso are Argentina’s next opponents.
- Messi is set to make his final Argentina appearance against Benin on October 6.
- Romero will then assume the captaincy on a permanent basis.
The Benin fixture is expected to mark the formal handover from Messi to Romero. The centre-back will inherit a squad shaped by sustained success and will be tasked with maintaining its standards while bringing the dressing room through a new era.
