Cristian Romero named new captain of Argentina national team

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has officially named defender Cristian Romero as the new captain of the squad. This decision marks the beginning of a generational transition following the announced international retirement of Lionel Messi and the departure of veteran Nicolás Otamendi.

Scaloni described Romero as the most suitable choice to lead the team into its next chapter. While Romero will hold the primary captaincy, the coach outlined a collective leadership structure that includes Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martínez as key figures responsible for guiding the locker room.

The announcement comes ahead of a series of upcoming matches, including friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Notably, the match against Benin is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for the national team. Romero, 28, has previously captained the side on three occasions during his tenure under Scaloni.