Who Is Cristian Romero? Everything to Know About Argentina’s New Soccer Captain After Lionel Messi’s Retirement

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Cristian Romero will take over as captain once Lionel Messi ends his international career. The speculation had been building for days, and Argentina have now made it official. The move had been expected within the squad.

Messi is preparing for an emotional farewell when Argentina face Benin on Oct. 6, bringing his long international journey to a close. With that milestone approaching, Scaloni has revealed who will assume leadership. Argentina will also meet Bolivia on Oct. 1 and Burkina Faso on Oct. 4 during the current FIFA window, before the Benin game. His appointment comes as Argentina prepares for change after Messi’s tenure.

Romero Gets the Armband

Scaloni confirmed that Romero, who left Tottenham for Atletico Madrid this season, will captain La Albiceleste during the upcoming matches. The defender was already part of the leadership group, having served as the third captain behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Scaloni explained that Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez are also among the players who could take responsibility when needed. De Paul will miss the two upcoming games, but remains part of the wider leadership hierarchy.

“The captain is going to be Cuti (Romero). He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Otamendi). There is Emiliano (Martinez), who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo (De Paul), who will not be in these two games, can also wear it. Lautaro (Martinez) can wear it.”

Romero’s promotion is therefore less of a surprise than a formal confirmation of a role he has already performed. The Atletico Madrid defender has captained Argentina on three previous occasions when the regular leaders were unavailable.

Previous Captaincy Experience

His first opportunity came in 2025, when he led Argentina during their crucial 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile in the South American qualifiers. He was given the armband again later that year for a friendly against Venezuela.

Romero’s third stint as captain came before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when he led the team in a 2-1 win over Mauritania. Those appearances have given him previous experience of guiding the side before assuming the position on a more permanent basis.

Messi has worn the captain’s armband since 2011, making his tenure 15 years. Before him, Javier Mascherano was Argentina’s captain from 2006 until 2011.

The other players to hold the role for Argentina during the 21st century were Juan Pablo Sorín and Juan Veron. With Messi’s international career now approaching its conclusion, Romero is poised to become the fifth player to captain La Albiceleste in this century.

The change marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for Argentina after more than a decade with Messi at the center of the team’s hierarchy. While several senior players remain available to take charge when required, Scaloni has now formally identified Romero as the first choice for the armband. For Scaloni, the arrangement preserves continuity in the leadership group while giving Romero a clearly defined position as Argentina enters a new international era together going forward.