Scaloni hands Argentina captaincy to Romero following Messi exit

Cristian Romero has been appointed Argentina’s new captain following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup. According to TyC Sports, via Gaston Edul, head coach Lionel Scaloni had already planned for the 28-year-old defender to inherit the armband in a new cycle.

Romero played a key role in Argentina’s major successes, including the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup. He is expected to share leadership responsibilities with senior figures Emiliano Martinez and Leandro Paredes as Argentina moves forward without Messi and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.