Scaloni Names Romero Argentina Captain As Post-Messi Era Begins

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Cristian Romero as the national team’s new captain following Lionel Messi’s international retirement. According to Goal, Scaloni selected the Atletico Madrid defender to take over the armband as Argentina prepare for the next phase of the team’s development after Messi’s international career.

Scaloni announced Romero’s new role while discussing Argentina’s leadership hierarchy ahead of their upcoming international fixtures.

“The captain is going to be Cuti. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi),” Scaloni said, according to TyC Sports, as reported by Goal.

“There is Emiliano (Martinez), who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo (De Paul), who will not be in these two games, can also wear it. Lautaro (Martinez) can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”

The decision is not entirely new for Romero, who had already been part of Argentina’s leadership group before Messi and Otamendi left the national team after the 2026 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has captained Argentina on three previous occasions under Scaloni. He first wore the armband in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile, before leading the team again against Venezuela in a friendly and most recently in a 2-1 win over Mauritania.

Romero’s appointment comes as Argentina begin their transition into the post-Messi era, with the long-serving captain set to make his final appearance for the national team against Benin on October 6. Goal reported that Messi will be honoured during the farewell match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Meanwhile, Argentina have suffered injury setbacks ahead of their upcoming fixtures, with Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth ruled out of the squad.

The changes come as Scaloni begins to reshape the team around a new generation of leaders following the departures of Messi and veteran defender Otamendi.