Scaloni names Cuti Romero as Argentina captain and Messi's successor

Lionel Scaloni has ended any debate about the future leadership of the Argentina national team. In a press conference, the head coach was emphatic when confirming that Cristian 'Cuti' Romero will wear the captain's armband after the Lionel Messi era. The decision highlights the growing influence of the Atletico Madrid centre-back, whose presence has already been felt in the Rojiblanco dressing room since his arrival this summer.

• Scaloni says Cuti Romero is the right player to captain Argentina.
• The Atletico Madrid defender will take the armband in the friendly against Bolivia on September 30.
• Romero was already third captain at the last World Cup, behind Messi and Otamendi.
• Dibu Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul are expected to complete the new captaincy order.
• Cuti has captained Argentina on three previous occasions.

Scaloni confirms Cuti Romero as the next Argentina captain

Scaloni's answer left no room for doubt. Asked about who would inherit the armband after Messi, the Argentina coach pointed straight to the Atletico Madrid defender. It is a strong public endorsement that arrives at a key moment for the national team, as the squad adjusts to life without two historic leaders in Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.

The captain will be Cuti, he is the right one.

The Atletico centre-back was already third in the captain's order during the World Cup. With the exit of the two players ahead of him, the natural succession placed Romero in line for the step up, and the head coach has now made that official.

When Cuti Romero will make his debut as Argentina's first captain

Romero's first match as Argentina's main captain is scheduled for September 30 in the friendly against Bolivia. He is expected to keep the armband for the following game against Burkina Faso. In the match against Benin, however, Lionel Messi is expected to wear the Argentina shirt for the last time and lead the team once more in his farewell.

This run of friendlies will help consolidate the team's new leadership structure. Alongside Romero, Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez is set to be named second captain, while Rodrigo de Paul would take the third spot. It is a distribution of responsibility that strengthens the generation that already won the World Cup in 2022.

Cuti Romero's previous captaincies with Argentina

This will not be the first time the Atletico Madrid centre-back has worn the Argentina armband. Romero has already captained the Albiceleste in three matches. The most recent came against Mauritania, in the first of two friendlies played as preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The other two captaincies came in the match against Chile at the 2024 Copa America and in the friendly against Venezuela on October 10 of last year. With Scaloni's public backing, that list is about to grow quickly from this autumn onward.

Cuti Romero's leadership role at Atletico Madrid

The captaincy appointment reinforces the leadership Romero has already displayed in his first months at Atletico Madrid. His competitive edge and his ability to organise the defence have made an immediate impact under Diego Simeone, who found in the Argentine centre-back a player with natural authority from day one.

Romero's role with Argentina also reflects the strong Atletico presence in the national team. Alongside him, Juan Musso, Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez are regular members of the squad, strengthening the connection between the Madrid club and the Albiceleste in this new chapter.

What Messi's captaincy handover means for Argentina

The change of captain in Argentina comes after a golden era defined by Messi's leadership, with the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024. Taking over that role brings huge responsibility, but Scaloni is convinced: Romero is the player called to assume that duty on and off the pitch.

The choice also cements the defence as the backbone of the Argentina team. The 27-year-old Atletico centre-back combines international experience, titles with the Albiceleste and a character that fits the coach's vision. His new status as captain places him among the undisputed leaders of the project ahead.