Cristian Romero and Argentina
25 September 2026
Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Cristian Romero will become Argentina’s captain after Lionel Messi ends his international career. The defender was already third in the leadership hierarchy behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi and has previously captained Argentina three times.
Scaloni described Romero as the right choice while noting Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez can also wear the armband. The decision establishes Argentina’s post-Messi leadership structure ahead of their upcoming home friendlies.