Scaloni names Messi’s successor as Argentina captain

Cristian “Cuti” Romero will become Argentina’s new captain after Lionel Messi’s departure from the national team, coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed.

Scaloni made the announcement at a press conference ahead of Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. He said Romero had already been the third captain behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.

“Cuti will be the captain. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota,” Scaloni said, adding that Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez could also wear the armband.

Romero, 28, has already captained Argentina three times. He first wore the armband in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile in 2025. He later captained the team against Venezuela and Mauritania.