Romero named Argentina’s new captain

Cristian “Cuti” Romero has been named Argentina’s new captain, taking over the armband from Lionel Messi as the world champions begin a new era under coach Lionel Scaloni.

Scaloni has officially appointed the 28-year-old defender to lead the national team following Messi’s expected international retirement after the 2026 World Cup.

Romero, who currently plays for Atletico Madrid, has been a key figure in Argentina’s recent golden run. He was part of the squads that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His defensive authority, leadership on the pitch and influence in the dressing room have made him a natural choice for the role. Scaloni and his coaching staff had also been grooming Romero for greater leadership responsibilities, making the appointment a planned transition rather than a sudden decision.

Romero has previously worn the captain’s armband for Argentina in several matches, meaning the new role will not be entirely unfamiliar. But succeeding Messi, who led the team through its most successful period in decades, puts a significant responsibility on his shoulders.

Senior players are expected to support Romero in the transition, with goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico among those being considered for a leadership role alongside him.

With Messi’s era drawing to a close, Argentina now face the challenge of maintaining their winning culture under a new generation of leaders. Romero’s appointment marks the first major step in that transition.