Who Will Captain Argentina After Lionel Messi's Retirement?

Cristian Romero is poised to become the captain of the Argentina national team upon Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, according to a statement by the team's coach, Lionel Scaloni. The 28-year-old defender will assume the leadership role vacated by Messi, who has been a stalwart for the national team for over a decade.

Romero was already the third captain in the team's hierarchy after Leo Messi and Nicolas Otamendi, as confirmed by Scaloni. The captaincy will be tested as Argentina prepares for a series of friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Scaloni believes that Romero is the most suitable choice for the captaincy, despite the availability of other experienced players such as Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez.

Romero has previously served as the captain in several matches, including Argentina's 1-0 victory over Chile in the World Cup qualifier, their 4-2 win against Venezuela, and their 2-1 triumph over Mauritania as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni's confidence in Romero's leadership at the back could potentially change if he were to leave his position as Argentina's coach in 2027.