Cristian Romero named Argentina captain following Messi retirement announcement

Angel Di Maria has expressed his support for Cristian Romero following the announcement that Romero will succeed Lionel Messi as the captain of the Argentina national football team. The decision comes as Messi prepares for his final international match, which is scheduled to take place against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the Atletico Madrid defender will wear the armband during upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Di Maria praised the selection, stating that Romero is a “great guy” with the necessary “temperament to carry the armband” and that the decision was a “great choice” by the coaching staff.

Romero, who has 58 appearances for his country and two Copa America titles, was previously ranked third in the team's leadership hierarchy. Scaloni has also identified Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez as alternative captaincy options should Romero be unavailable.