Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Cristian Romero as the national team’s new captain following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Scaloni announced the decision as Argentina prepare for a new phase after Messi’s departure, with the Atletico Madrid defender set to inherit the armband from the long-serving captain.
“Cuti is going to be the captain. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi),” Scaloni said, according to TyC Sports.
The coach added that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez were also among the players capable of wearing the armband, but said Romero was the appropriate choice.
Romero’s appointment follows his previous role within Argentina’s leadership group. He was behind Messi and Otamendi in the captaincy hierarchy and has already captained the national side on three occasions under Scaloni.
The 28-year-old first led Argentina in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile. He subsequently wore the armband in a friendly against Venezuela and most recently in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Mauritania.
His elevation comes as Argentina prepare for life after Messi, whose final appearance for the national team is scheduled for October 6 against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match will serve as Messi’s farewell after his decision to retire from international football.
Argentina have also been hit by injury setbacks ahead of their upcoming fixtures, with Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth ruled out. TyC Sports reported that both players will miss the team’s scheduled friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
With Messi and Otamendi no longer part of the national team setup, Romero will now become the central figure in Argentina’s leadership structure as Scaloni begins reshaping the squad for the period ahead.
