Argentina Names New Captain After Lionel Messi’s Retirement
Argentina have named Cristian “Cuti” Romero as the new captain of the national team following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Romero as the first-choice captain during a press conference on September 29, as the World Cup champions begin a new era without their longtime skipper.
Romero had already been part of Argentina’s leadership group during Messi’s time as captain. Scaloni explained that the Tottenham defender was already behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi in the previous order of captains.
Cristian Romero Becomes Argentina’s New Captain
Romero, who has established himself as one of Argentina’s key defenders, will now take over the captaincy as the national team moves forward without Messi.
Scaloni also revealed the next options in the leadership structure. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez will be the second captain, while Lautaro Martínez will be the third captain.
The decision comes shortly after Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team following more than two decades representing the country.
Messi Retires From Argentina
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, 2026, bringing an end to a remarkable career with the Albiceleste.
The Argentine superstar won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles with the national team. He also became Argentina’s longtime captain and one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s football history.
CONMEBOL confirmed that Messi ended his international career after more than 20 years, having won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. He also holds the record for the most appearances in Copa América history, with 39 matches.
New Leadership Group
With Messi no longer leading the team on a regular basis, Argentina now have a new leadership structure.
Scaloni confirmed the order as:
- Cristian Romero – First captain
- Emiliano Martínez – Second captain
- Lautaro Martínez – Third captain
Rodrigo De Paul is also regarded as an experienced member of Argentina’s leadership group.
The transition comes as Argentina prepares for life after Messi while maintaining the core of the squad that has achieved major international success in recent years.
Messi Set For Argentina Farewell
Although Messi has retired from international football, he is set to make a final appearance for Argentina.
The Argentine Football Association called him up for a farewell friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Reuters reported that the match will mark Messi’s farewell appearance following his international retirement.
Scaloni previously said he made efforts to convince Messi to return for one final appearance so that the Argentina captain could receive a proper farewell from supporters.
The match will therefore provide an opportunity for Argentina fans to see Messi in the national team shirt one final time before the team fully enters its post-Messi era.
Argentina Begins Life After Messi
Messi’s departure represents a major change for Argentina, but the national team still has several experienced players capable of taking on greater leadership responsibilities.
Romero will now wear the captain’s armband as Argentina begins preparations for its next international cycle.
For many Argentina supporters, the appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter after Messi’s extraordinary spell as captain.
