Argentina national football team has turned to a new leader following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football, with Cristian “Cuti” Romero now set to take on the captaincy. The Tottenham Hotspur defender, who previously served as the third-choice captain behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, has been promoted to the permanent role with the full backing of head coach Lionel Scaloni and his teammates. His appointment signals a new chapter for the reigning world champions as they move forward without their iconic No. 10.
Cristian Romero to Lead Argentina as Lionel Messi Era Comes to an End
Argentina are preparing for life without Lionel Messi, with Cristian “Cuti” Romero emerging as the leading candidate to take over the captaincy. The 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur centre-back previously stood behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi in the leadership order but has now been backed by head coach Lionel Scaloni and his teammates to become the team’s main captain. His promotion marks a significant change for the reigning world champions as they enter a new era.
Romero’s rise to the leadership role reflects the influence he has developed within the Argentina squad. He has become one of the most vocal figures in the dressing room, while his aggressive style and commanding presence have made him an important part of Scaloni’s team. He has also worn the armband during Messi’s previous absences, giving him experience of leading the side before being considered as the permanent successor.
Messi himself has previously praised Romero’s contribution to Argentina’s defence, describing his impact as “extraordinary.” That endorsement adds weight to Romero’s credentials as he takes on a team that has enjoyed an exceptional run of success. Messi’s retirement on August 31, 2026, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, brought his 21-year international career to an end and left the squad facing an important leadership transition.
The new captain inherits a team that has won three major trophies under Scaloni. Argentina ended a long wait for silverware with the 2021 Copa América before winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and retaining the continental crown at the 2024 Copa América. They then reached the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain ended their latest title run. Romero was a key part of that successful period and has established himself as one of Argentina’s most trusted defenders.
Why Cristian Romero Is the Natural Successor to Messi
At 28, Romero also offers Argentina a long-term option at the heart of the team. His age means he could potentially lead the squad through the 2030 World Cup cycle and beyond, providing continuity as a number of veterans move toward the end of their international careers. His leadership style, however, is likely to look very different from Messi’s, with Romero known for being far more vocal and demanding on the pitch.
While a formal announcement from the Argentine Football Association has yet to be made, reports have consistently pointed to Romero as the clear successor. Replacing Messi is an impossible task, but Argentina now appear ready to entrust the armband to a defender who has already become one of the most influential voices in the dressing room. For Romero, the challenge will be to carry that authority into a new chapter for the world champions.
