Cristian Romero Named Argentina Captain for Lionel Messi’s Farewell Era
Argentina have confirmed Cristian Romero as their new captain, with Lionel Scaloni handing the armband to the 28-year-old centre-back as the world champions prepare for Lionel Messi’s farewell chapter.
Romero, known as Cuti, moves up from third in the leadership order behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi. Scaloni said the former Tottenham defender, now at Atletico Madrid, is the right choice to front Argentina’s next leadership group.
Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez remain alternate captaincy options. De Paul will miss two of the forthcoming fixtures, while Martínez can also take the armband when required.
Romero already has captaincy experience
- Romero first captained Argentina in a 1-0 South American World Cup qualifying win over Chile in 2025.
- He led the side again against Venezuela in an October 2025 friendly.
- The defender was also captain for the 2-1 victory over Mauritania before the 2026 World Cup.
Injuries hit Argentina squad
Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth have been ruled out of Argentina’s three-match home friendly programme through injury. Their absences remove options in midfield and defence as Scaloni uses the games to assess his squad.
- Cristian Romero: confirmed as Argentina captain.
- Thiago Almada: unavailable because of injury.
- Juan Foyth: unavailable because of injury.
- Equi Fernández, Santiago Simón and Valentín Gómez: added to the initial group to increase depth.
Scaloni has not yet decided whether Almada and Foyth will be replaced directly in the squad.
What happens next
Argentina face Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin in upcoming friendlies in Córdoba and Buenos Aires. The matches will give Romero his first confirmed spell as the team’s lead captain, while Gómez and Fernández could receive opportunities as Scaloni shapes the side for life after Messi.
