Cristian “Cuti” Romero has been selected by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni as the new captain of the national team, taking over the armband for a new chapter of the “Albiceleste.”
The historic decision comes following Lionel Messi’s final retirement from international football.
The 39-year-old has decided to close his legendary chapter with the national team after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
The appointment of the 28-year-old defender was not a decision made on the spur of the moment by the coaching staff, but rather part of a plan drawn up several months before the World Cup. According to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, it had been anticipated that Romero would inherit the captain’s armband in the absence of Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.
The Atletico Madrid defender, one of Argentina’s key figures in their Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will share the leadership role with other important members of the squad, including Emiliano Martinez and Leandro Paredes.