Scaloni Names Messi’s Successor As Argentina Captain

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero as the new captain of the national team as the country prepares for a new era following Lionel Messi’s expected international retirement.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Scaloni confirmed Romero’s promotion while discussing Argentina’s leadership structure ahead of the team’s upcoming international fixtures. The coach explained that the 28-year-old defender had already been part of the leadership group, serving as the third captain behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.

“The captain is going to be Cuti. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota,” Scaloni said.

The Argentina coach also identified goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and forward Lautaro Martinez as other players capable of wearing the captain’s armband.

Romero’s appointment represents a formal elevation for a player who has already captained Argentina on three occasions under Scaloni. He first wore the armband during a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile before subsequently leading the team in a friendly against Venezuela and a 2-1 win over Mauritania.

His promotion comes as Argentina prepares for the expected end of Messi’s international career. The veteran forward is expected to make his final appearance for the national team against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi has served as Argentina’s captain for several years and played a key leadership role during the team’s major international successes, including their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.

Scaloni is also managing injury concerns ahead of Argentina’s upcoming fixtures, with Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth reportedly ruled out of the squad, requiring further adjustments to the team.