Argentina have named Cristian Romero as captain for the national team’s upcoming friendlies after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, beginning a new leadership chapter for the reigning world champions.
Key Highlights
- Cristian Romero has been named captain for Argentina’s upcoming friendlies.
- The 28-year-old defender previously ranked behind Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi in the captaincy hierarchy.
- Lionel Scaloni confirmed Romero will wear the armband in the upcoming matches.
- Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez are also among Argentina’s senior leadership options.
- Messi is expected to return for a farewell appearance against Benin on October 6.
Romero Takes Over Argentina Captaincy
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Romero will wear the captain’s armband in the upcoming friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, following Messi’s retirement announcement.
Romero, popularly known as Cuti, has been part of Argentina’s leadership group and previously served behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi in the team’s captaincy hierarchy.
“The captain is going to be Cuti,” Scaloni said.
“He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolás Otamendi). There is Emiliano (Martínez), who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo (De Paul), who will not be in these two games, can also wear it. Lautaro (Martínez) can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”
The Argentina Football Association’s official schedule lists the team’s friendlies against Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6.
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Romero Begins New Leadership Role
The appointment gives Romero greater responsibility within the Argentina squad after establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s defence.
The defender has played an important role in Argentina’s recent success and will be expected to provide leadership on the pitch as the national team prepares for a future without Messi as its regular captain.
Although Scaloni has selected Romero to captain the upcoming games, Messi is expected to return for a farewell appearance against Benin on October 6. Other senior players, including Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez, remain options for the armband.
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