‘Cuti is the right one’: Scaloni confirms Romero as Argentina’s new captain

Cristian Romero is set to become Argentina’s next captain after Lionel Messi, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming the defender as his choice to lead the team.

Speaking at a press conference at the AFA training complex ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, Scaloni said Romero is the natural choice to inherit the armband.

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“The captain will be Cuti [Cristian Romero]. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi),” Scaloni said.

“There’s Emiliano (Martínez), who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo (De Paul), who won’t be playing in these two matches, can also wear it. Lautaro (Martínez) can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”

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The decision confirms what had already been widely expected within the Argentina camp. Scaloni believes the 28-year-old defender has the leadership qualities to command the team from the back.

However, the decision could still change if Scaloni is no longer in charge in 2027. For now, though, Romero is the coach’s preferred choice to succeed Messi as Argentina captain.

Romero has already worn the captain’s armband on three occasions. His first came against Chile in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory in 2025.

He later captained Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela in October of the same year before leading the side in their 2-1 victory over Mauritania ahead of the 2026 World Cup.