Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Cristian "Cuti" Romero will take over the national team captaincy, closing one chapter of Argentine football history while opening another following Lionel Messi's international retirement.
The 28 year old Atletico Madrid defender has long been considered a senior figure within the squad, having earned 58 caps and played a central role in Argentina's recent trophy haul, including the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles.
Romero also featured prominently during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign and their Finalissima victory the same year, cementing his standing as one of Scaloni's most trusted defensive leaders over the past several seasons.
Speaking at a press conference at the national team's training complex, Scaloni explained the reasoning behind the decision, outlining a broader leadership structure that extends beyond Romero alone within the current squad.
"Cuti will be the captain. After Leo and Ota, he is now the third captain. Emiliano is also there and he can wear the armband. Rodrigo will not play in the first two matches, so he can wear it too," Scaloni said.
The move follows weeks of speculation within Argentine football circles, with several media outlets, including TyC Sports, having already reported Romero's expected appointment as Messi's successor earlier in September.
Romero is no stranger to the responsibility, having previously worn the armband on three separate occasions whenever Messi was unavailable, most notably during a World Cup qualifying win over Chile last year.
He also captained the reigning world champions in subsequent friendlies against Venezuela and Mauritania, gaining valuable experience in the role well before Messi's eventual departure from international football became official.
The timing of the handover carries particular significance, given that Messi is set to make his own farewell appearance for Argentina on 6 October against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
That fixture was specifically arranged by the Argentine Football Association to allow Messi one final opportunity to say goodbye to the national team's supporters after more than two decades representing the Albiceleste.
According to the association, Messi will not feature in Argentina's opening two fixtures during this international window, instead joining the squad exclusively for the farewell match against Benin later in the schedule.
Cuti will be the captain. After Leo and Ota, he is now the third captain. Emiliano is also there and he can wear the armband. Rodrigo will not play in the first two matches, so he can wear it too.Lionel Scaloni, Argentina head coach
His international career will therefore conclude with 207 caps and 125 goals, figures that stand as a testament to over twenty years of service in Argentina's shirt across multiple generations of teammates.
Romero is expected to wear the captain's armband for Argentina's opening two fixtures of this window, before symbolically returning it to Messi for his farewell appearance against Benin at the Monumental.
Argentina's schedule includes a meeting with Bolivia on September 30 at Cordoba's Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, followed by matches against Burkina Faso and Benin on October 3 and 6 respectively, both staged in Buenos Aires.